The 18 Yard Box

Barca's Alain Richard Ebwelle

2008-10-12T18:05:00.000+08:00

Barca's Gerard Deulofeu

2008-10-12T18:02:00.001+08:00

Chris Iwelumo's Epic Miss

2008-10-12T15:15:00.001+08:00

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

2008-10-05T14:27:00.000+08:00

AC Milan vs Inter Milan

2008-09-29T18:40:00.001+08:00

Actim Index Top 100

2008-09-29T17:52:00.003+08:00

Best Players so far...so say the Actim Index

2008-09-29T17:20:00.002+08:00

Actim Stats are a collection of team, player and match statistics. They are derived from all the actions that take place during a match, including goals, shots on target, corners, assists, clean sheets, fouls, off-sides, passes, tackles, blocks and clearances.

Actim Stats are produced by PA Sport, a division of the PA Group, on behalf of Football DataCo. PA Sport gathers match data for every Barclays Premier League and Coca-Cola Championship match. The data is gathered by two methods - real-time match analysis and the study of video footage. The real-time analysis is conducted by ex-professional footballers who report on action at the grounds, as it happens. Further, more detailed analysis is obtained by studying videos of the matches and collecting more intense data.

The Actim Index is the official player rating system of the Barclays Premier League and Coca-Cola Championship. So thats the basic gist of it.

So here they are...

Arsenal.....Denilson 115pts, Adebayor 182pts, Almunia 77pts
Aston Villa.....Agbonlahor 125, Carew 101, Young 83
Blackburn.....Warnock 62, Nelsen 59, Dunn 53
Bolton.....Davies 96, Steinsson 61, O'Brien 56
Chelsea.....Deco 109, Lampard 105, Carvalho 84
Everton.....Yakubu 92, Arteta 78, Yobo 53
Fulham.....Hangeland 64, Hughes 54, Bullard 52
Hull.....Turner 58, Dawson 57, King 55
Liverpool.....Kuyt 83, Reina 75, Arbeloa 64
Man City.....Wright Phillips 97, Robinho 74, Elano 73
Man Utd.....Fletcher 57,
Middlesbrough.....Wheater 68, Pogatetz 62, Huth 60
Newcastle.....Taylor 63, N'Zogbia 55
Portsmouth.....Defoe 88, Crouch 68, Johnson 57
Stoke.....Sorensen 50
Sunderland.....Nosworthy 76, Malbranque 57, Gordon 50
Tottenham.....Corluka 65, Jenas 59
WBA.....Robinson 59, Barnett 58, Morrison 58
West Ham.....Neill 85, Davenport 78, Parker 73
Wigan.....Zaki 77, Melchiot 57, Valencia 57

Tottenham have done it!

2008-09-29T16:50:00.002+08:00

Yes, they have done it. They have lost again! That makes it 2 points out of a possible 18 points. Yes at this point, they are worst off than the 3 promoted teams and Newcastle. I don't know the exact figures but last Monday's lost against Villa was their worst start in 34 years. Add another defeat to Pompey and we can expect that total amount of yrs to increase. They were aiming for a top 4 place. (Gomes was even aiming top 2). Well Mr Gomes, you lot are 10 points off the 4th spot and 12 points off your top 2 spot. Fancy coming from the Dutch league and talking big.

I did not watch the game against Pompey so i cant really say much about how they played. Wait i just read this off Soccernet. Worst start in 53 years! Anyways a look at the match stats and i see Spurs dominated possession(66%)and had more shots AT goal. But, only 4 out of 16 shots were on target.

A look at the starting line up look decent enuff. 4-5-1 with balance in midfield with Gilberto and Bentley down the flanks. I saw the substitutions made and saw a bit of chaos and desperation there. On 45 mins, right winger Lennon came on for the left sided Gilberto. Now we have two right wingers on the pitch. On 57 mins, Dos Santos(a winger as seen in his Barca days)came on for Zokora. 3 wingers now on the pitch along with Jenas and O'hara across midfield.

Then Pompey scored the 2nd goal. What does Juande do? He takes off Bent for Pavlyuchenko. Now he has still 1 striker and an unbalanced midfield. Why not load up with two strikers and go for it. But then again i did not see the game so i cant really criticise too much.

Nonetheless, it was another poor result for them. And to have two ex players condemn you to defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. To my friend out there who supports Spurs, for all your trash talk when u got Modric, i have nothing to trash back. Spurs are doing it for me.

Players to Watch

2008-09-28T18:46:00.005+08:00

I've been watching Spanish Primera for the past few weekends. Specifically the matches invloving Real Madrid and Barcelona. Here are two youngsters which i thought are worth sharing. The little info about them i got is of course from wikipedia. They both play for Barcelona.

Sergi Busquets

Sergi Busquets was born July 16, 1988 in Sabadell, Barcelona. He is the son of the Spanish former player Carles Busquets who played professionally during the 1990s. He played as a goalkeeper for FC Barcelona and UE Lleida.

He plays defensive midfielder. Calm, good passing game.

Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma

Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma was born July 28, 1987 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. He is mostly known as Pedrito (meaning "Little Pedro") as well as Pedro.

Pedro started his career in Barcelona's youth system, eventually playing regularly for FC Barcelona B. He made his debut for Barcelona's senior team on 12 January 2008 during a 4-0 home win against Murcia.He then made his European debut against Wisła Kraków on August 13, 2008 in another 4-0 victory for Barcelona.

Pedro began the 2008/09 season by scoring a goal in Barcelona's first pre-season match against Hibernian in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Plays as a winger. Loves to run at defenders.

Pictures from
http://goal.excite.co.jp/resultsimg/9785.jpg
http://www.blaugranas.com/media/users/25/1/8/8/a_Cantera4ever_f_c_barcelona_5881_1.jpg

Goal.com's Serie A Preview : AC Milan vs Inter Milan

2008-09-28T18:39:00.001+08:00

Milan Derby
The Derby della Madonnina is always one of the most anticipated matches of the season in Italy. While domestic matches between top sides are usually boring, with each team not wanting to sacrifice their defensive posture for gambles in attack, the Milan derby rarely ever disappoints.

Take this corresponding fixture from last May, for example. Milan came out knowing that nothing less than a victory would do, as they were battling with Fiorentina for that fourth place in the standings that brings with it Champions League football and the huge financial windfall (which they ultimately did not obtain).

Inter, on the other hand, were close to securing the Scudetto for the third consecutive time. Amazingly, however, manager Roberto Mancini decided not to field his strongest first-eleven. It didn’t really make any sense at all, given that they had already been eliminated from the Champions League and had no obvious reason to rest players. If anything, it was intended as a slight toward Milan, with Mancini showing that he believed he could beat Milan without having to use all of his best players.

He was sorely mistaken. Milan came out with all guns blazing, and won the match 2-1. Kakà was his usual brilliant self, and Filippo Inzaghi tormented the Inter backline. Nevertheless, Inter still made it a good game.

When all was said and done on the season, Inter did manage to capture the title on the final day.

Taking It One Game At A Time
Milan have now built upon the 4-1 demolition of Lazio last Sunday, which was their first win of the season. On Wednesday, they got an important three points on the road by defeating Reggina by a score of 2-1.

Two-straight wins has removed all the pressure off of Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti’s shoulders, after it seemed to be only a matter of time before he would be sacked. Now, Milan are playing with confidence and are sure of what they must do, yet they are not overeager toward their cause. This has been voiced this week by none other than club captain Paolo Maldini:

“This derby is not a decisive game. It's an important game but being at the beginning of the season, it doesn't matter if it goes wrong because there is still plenty of time to recover. The league always brings apprehension but we want to try and change things for the better.”

Clearly, the mood of the club is relaxed at the moment, and they are not getting ahead of themselves as to what a win or loss in this match would mean. Even manager Ancelotti has spoken in an unenthusiastic tone of this fixture, saying that he gave more thought to his side’s recent encounter versus Lazio.

Whether or not this attitude backfires on the Rossoneri remains to be seen, but you can bet that pre-game butterflies will not be rampant in the dressing room.

Making a Statement
While Milan are relaxed in the lead-up to this match, Inter seem to be a bit more determined, and well they should be. Despite winning on Wednesday at home against Lecce, their performance was quite unconvincing, as the match ended at 1-0.

Inter struggled to break down Lecce, and were only saved embarrassment by the efforts of Julio Cruz, who came on as a substitute and scored with ten minutes remaining.

Although they disappointed on the opening day 1-1 away draw to Sampdoria and the narrow 2-1 home victory over Catania (in which they got two own goals), it was enough to see them reach first place in the standings. Coming into this match, the side is confident of their abilities. Central midfielder Patrick Vieira said:

“We are much stronger than Milan and we are in a moment where we are winning our games by playing well. I am happy with the way things are going and I am hoping it continues that way.”

While Vieira’s comments about playing well may be a bit misleading, it shows that Inter do feel that they have the upper hand heading into the derby. Whatever the case may be, they are the reigning champions, and it almost goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that it’s never easy to knock the champions off of their perch. Surely, winning this match would go a long way toward helping Inter to start playing better football.

You also have to factor in the affect that injuries have on the side. Players such as Luis Figo and Walter Samuel are not easy to replace, even when you have the bankroll of Massimo Moratti supporting you. Manager Jose Mourinho has brought in some star names this summer such as Ricardo Quaresma and Amantino Mancini, but neither of those players has a reputation as being very consistent in their performances.

FORM GUIDE
Milan

31/08 (Serie A): Milan1-2 Bologna

14/09 (Serie A): Genoa 2-0 Milan

18/09 (UEFA Cup): Milan 3-1 Zurich

21/09 (Serie A): Milan 4-1 Lazio

24/09 (Serie A): Reggina 1-2 Milan

Inter

30/08 (Serie A): Sampdoria-Inter 1-1

13/09 (Serie A): Inter-Catania 2-1

16/09 (Champions League): Panathinaikos-Inter 0-2

21/09 (Serie A): Torino-Inter 1-3

24/09 (Serie A): Inter 1-0 Lecce

TEAM NEWS
Milan

Alessandro Nesta, Filippo Inzaghi, Andrea Pirlo and Philippe Senderos will not be fit to participate due to injury. After picking up a muscular strain in his thigh on Wednesday, Marco Borriello will not be available. Andriy Shevchenko will take his place alongside Alexandre Pato up-front.

Possible Formation (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Zambrotta, Kaladze, Maldini, Jankulovski; Ambrosini, Gattuso, Seedorf; Kakà; Pato, Shevchenko

Inter
Luis Jimenez, Walter Samuel, Maxwell and Luis Figo are all suffering from injuries at the moment, and will not be used in this match. Sulley Muntari has one match remaining on his three-match ban for striking an opposing player.

Possible Formation (4-4-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Materazzi, Chivu; Zanetti, Vieira, Cambiasso, Mancini; Ibrahimovic, Cruz

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Milan

Kakà was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch in the Milan derby last May. He looks like he is fully fit now after battling injuries over the summer. Andriy Shevchenko tormented Inter in his previous seven years with Milan, and he has extra motivation with his former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, on the Inter side of this affair.

Inter

The Nerazzurri striking partnership of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Julio Cruz has tormented Milan in the past, especially last season. Neither player has begun firing on all cylinders yet, but this could very well be the match where they break out. Also, Marco Materazzi usually plays well against Milan, even chipping in on the attack.

A question was posed this week by Goal.com: Has (Javier) Zanetti ever had a bad game?

While the result of such a debate may rage on for quite a while, it is beyond doubt that Zanetti always has a good match against Milan.

PREDICTION

Whereas the Milan attack has looked better as of late, Inter were stagnant on Wednesday. Inter has sputtered at times this season, but they definitely have the capability to burst out at any time and score in bunches. With the motivation of playing against their eternal rivals, Inter will put on a good show, but so will Milan.

Milan 2-2 Inter

Joel Whitehead

Less than 90 mins to.....

2008-09-28T18:11:00.003+08:00

Singapore Grand Prix Race!!!!!!!!!

As i sit here watching the clock, as time goes by, for THE race i have been waiting for ever since it was announced, my mind inevitably drift to the soccer world. A mixed bag of results yesterday. Some of the big guns went unscathed. One of them experienced an upset. No, i am not going to diss Arsenal. The game throws curve balls and as always luck can have its way.

Just got to mention how soccer pundits can swing opinions or what they say over a course of 90 mins. Before the game they were raving bout how good the youngsters were during the carling cup. They went on on how they say Arsenal will win by 2 and 3goals. 90 minutes past....and how the tune changed. They began to criticise the lack of power to kill off thems, lacking the killer instinct, overplaying. Yes there is some truth but sure didnt hear of them pre match. Arsenal just did not have the luck on the day. That ball could have landed anywhere but his thigh and Vela would have tapped it in and everyone knows of thier ability to get the goals late.

It was also interesting to see Daniel Cousins moving from Champions League regulars Rangers to Hull City. Its not as if he wasnt getting games at Ibrox.

Dear oh dear oh newcastle. I have a friend who is a newcastle supporter. It must be torture for him. They cant get any points if they tried to buy one at the present moment. Another defeat at home, this time to blackburn. Saw the highlights, both headed goals from blackburn. Poor marking the main reason really.

Joe Kinnear has been installed as the new boss there at St James Park. Remember him? My earliest memory wof him was a short, chubby guy who was in charge of the Crazy Gang of now non-existent Wimbledon. Fancy him coming back. Watch all the soccer shows and his name sure wasnt on the cards. Surprise installment indeed considering Dennis Wise is a former Wimbledon player. it seems that Wise is controlling the club, master of puppets-esque. Kinnear was quoted saying that he was surprised people turned down the job. Begs to wonder, has he been reading the papers recently bout Newcastle's turmoil.

Other things that happened on Saturday....
Man Utd required a non-penalty to break Bolton down in thier 2-0 win. Rooney scored a peach by the way.
Liverpool won the Merseyside derby 2-0 over a out of form Everton side. Gerrard was amazingly disciplined defensively.
Zola made it 6 out of 6 for his infant time as West Ham Manager. They won 2-1 away to Fulham.
Aston Villa into the top four as promising looking Villa beats Sunderland 2-1 at Villa Park.

70 mins to go now.....

5 games after....

2008-09-24T21:21:00.002+08:00

We are 5 games into the premier league season and honestly it is still early to read into the table right now. Some has not started full throttle while others are enjoying an early day in the sunshine.

At present moment, the youthful exuberance of Arsenal leads the way with 12pts, ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea, both on 11pts. Already the cream has risen to the top. Arsenal suffered a suspicious setback when they lost to Fulham but bounced back well to win away at Bolton and Blackburn. They key to sustaining for them is rally to keep the injury room empty. Chelsea has looked solid and just have such a German efficiency to them. 85 games unbeaten at home and counting...Liverpool is enjoying their day on in the sun somewhats. Poor performances saved by late goals, mistakes from opposition has got them here at this stage. Once again, the lack of incisiveness was exposed by a determined Stoke. Manchester United, is way down in 15th with 5 points. Yet, everyone knows, its just a matter of time before they rise up the table. They have one game in hand and like past seasons have always been the slow starters. Only one question to ponder, could it cost them this time around. They need to get a winning run in the next few match days.

As i look at the table, way way way down the table, 20th position to be exact. I see Tottenham Hotspurs. Not quite giving out heat at the moment. 2pts from a possible 15. You look at the fixtures past..hmm...wigan,villa,chelsea,sunderland,middlesboro.
3 home games. The most realist of fans could say maybe we could pick up home wins against wigan n sunderland. 6pts the least. Yet they struggled to pick up the points. To make matters worse, their inability to pick up points is accompanied with inability to put a decent performance.

Several reasons can be attributed. They got a new bunch of players in. They lost their two top scorers. Team has not gel. Berbatov saga took its toll. Look closer and at times i feel Juande has to take some of the blame. Why? The way he set up his team can be questionable. I ve seen modric play def mid and out on the left. I ve seen bentley played wide left. In one of the games he started with 4 centre mids across midfield. His transfer activity before Corluka, was too concentrated on attacking midfielders. It seems he forgot Tottenham were leaking goals as fast as they scored in the opposite end. Pavlyuchenko just arrived. i dont know much about him. One good tournament really and thats about him. I shall reserved my comments. Tottenham need to get their act together soon. If not, forget even UEFA cup.

Looking at the rest of the teams...a few teams deserve a posting for a later time..Newcastle, Hull, Middlesboro, West Ham...but thats for another day.

Someone needs Beijing 101 hair care...

2008-09-24T20:20:00.006+08:00

Ricardo Carvalho in his golden years

Pictures from
news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39956000/jpg/_399...
portodaspipas.blogs.sapo.pt/arquivo/Ricardo%2...
www.portugoal.net/.../RicardoCarvalho041004.jpg
http://img.skysports.com/08/04/218x298/Ricardo_Carvalho_808737.jpg

The 'Ghost' Goal

2008-09-24T20:07:00.002+08:00

This happened between Reading and Watford in the Championship. The linesman awarded a ghost goal. Listen in and keep your eyes open

The Ghost Goal | Watford | linesman | referee
Caricato da mediahangout

Carling..Coca Cola...League....whatever you call it...

2008-09-24T19:26:00.003+08:00

Yesterday was the third round of the Carling Cup in England. It is the 2nd top level CUP competition in the country. Let's look back on some of the history of the cup. It was founded in 1961. Basically the generic name is the Football League Cup. Why has the name change for so many times? Sponsors. The cup has been called(recently first) Carling Cup, Worthington Cup, Coca Cola Cup, Rumbelows Cup, Littlewood Challenge Cup and Milk Cup...Yes, Milk Cup sponsored by the Milk Marketing Board.

The most successful club has been Liverpool with 7 wins, followed close behind by Aston Villa with 5.

So whats the difference between FA Cup and this League Cup? The League Cup only includes those clubs that play in the Football League which means clubs from the Premier League down to League 2. In present times the winner of the competition gains a UEFA Cup spot. In the case where the winner has won a Champions League spot, the next best finisher in the League will received the UEFA spot.

So whats my beef with it. Its become a laugh of a tournament really. Top sides are fielding youth or reserve teams. In a way, kinda taking it easy for the tournament, almost disrespecting it(arguably). This is most probably a fact, but it must be bottom of the list for the top sides in terms of priorities. Arsenal fielded their youngest team ever last night and still romped to a 6-0 win.

I watched Football Focus on Tuesday and they were debating on this topic and i was intrigued by one of their suggestions. Steve McMahon was proposing to change it to a youth competition say under 21 or 23. Then of course, one would see the results on Tuesday and say surely Arsenal would win it. Hell yeah it could be just that. But if u observed the past winners of the FA Youth Cup(U-18), Arsenal has now won it since 2001.

Here's my take on it, English football is in shambles. Internationally i mean. So why not use this tournament to display the best youths of the nation. Then again u can tell me the top sides can just field an international 11. To tackle this, why not use Blatter's concept of 6+5 or even more emphasis on English-born players.

So turn it into a Under 21 knock out tournament featuring the League clubs with a minimum number of English players required to be in the playing side. You get the opportunity to watch and scout upcoming youngsters at the same time. Of course this is in the ideal world. Why this idea will not probably take off? Money. No matter what, a more glorified YOUTH cup wont bring in the cash such as the present Football League Cup. Money makes everything tick around here...cough robinho....

So thats my two cents worth on the present League Cup. Dun really bother about it. Just watch the final when it comes around to it.

picture from http://frikifootball.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/carling_cup.jpg

Football365.com : Premiership To Do List

2008-08-04T20:12:00.001+08:00

ARSENAL: Arsene Wenger talks of needing "one more body" and that body is almost certain to come in central midfield (after Gilberto Silva and Mathieu Flamini exits) with Miguel Veloso and Gokhan Inler two of the names being mentioned. Unfortunately for fans, the spending will probably stop there - with no big, bustling centre-half likely to be signed.

ASTON VILLA: They need bodies fast - particularly in both full-back positions and at right midfield. Nicky Shorey is one name being mentioned for the left-back spot but it looks like they have failed in moves for both Steve Finnan and David Bentley in their two other problem positions. Another move for James Milner may follow.

BLACKBURN: The "absolute priority at the moment is a holding midfield player" according to Blackburn chairman John Williams, with Paul Ince seemingly unimpressed with Tugay, Aaron Mokoena or Johann Vogel. Should David Bentley join Tottenham as expected, their "absolute priority" could very quickly become a right-sided midfielder. Repeat with Roque Santa Cruz and 'striker' if required.

BOLTON: Although significant money has been spent on Johann Elmander and Fabrice Muamba, Gary Megson still wants a replacement for Nic Anelka, especially with El-Hadji Diouf also exiting the club. Defensively they're relatively sound after the January signings of Matt Taylor and Gary Cahill, and Mustapha Riga will fill a gap on the wing. So the emphasis has to be on a mobile striker - don't be surprised to see Milan Baros turn up at the Reebok.

CHELSEA: There seems to be a suggestion that with Real Madrid refusing to play ball over Robinho, Chelsea's spending for the summer (on Jose Bosingwa and Deco) is now over, with Shaun Wright-Phillips earning something of a reprieve as a by-product. This is assuming of course that Didier Drogba really is intent on staying put.

EVERTON: Never one to spend money lightly, David Moyes has been quiet even by his own standards this summer with a grand total of no incoming transfers. They have been chasing Joao Moutinho seemingly forever but other links with central midfielders - namely Michael Johnson and Tom Huddlestone - appear to have come to nothing. Don't ever expect much movement from Moyes but surely we should expect something (anything) soon? He needs striking cover for Yakubu, a creative midfielder to take the pressure off Mikel Arteta, a holding midfielder and a right-back. Two of the above would be welcomed by Toffees.

FULHAM: Roy Hodgson wanted numbers in at Fulham and he has certainly delivered that - seven players in so far with one (Andrew Johnson) soon to follow. There is more talk of another move for Mario Gomez, but surely the coffers don't stretch that far. With or without Gomez, Hodgson seems to have done enough to avoid a relegation battle.

HULL CITY: Seven names in (with George Boateng, Bernard Mendy and Geovanni the pick) but the big question is still 'where will the goals come from?' At this moment in time, Dean Windass could well partner Caleb Folan in a first-choice striker partnership, and that won't even scare the Stoke defence, never mind Chelsea. They're being linked with Marlon King and Colin Kazim-Kazim-Kazim though, so things are unlikely to get a great deal better any time soon.

LIVERPOOL: The Reds have shed half a team of fringe players but still haven't got enough money to buy Gareth Barry, who seems their only real transfer target after the arrivals of Philipp Degen, Andrea Dossena, Diego Cavalieri and Robbie Keane. But unless they can find a buyer for Xabi Alonso, the revolving door may be held still until January.

MANCHESTER CITY: Jo has been Manchester City's only buy so far this summer and there must be striker-shaped alarm bells ringing with the Brazilian going for Olympic duty and Benjani currently sidelined through injury. Darius Vassell and Felipe Caicedo are two of very few options in that department. Tal Ben Haim is likely to arrive and shore up the defence but Mark Hughes has admitted that he still needs an experienced keeper (Antti Niemi) to give Joe Hart some competition. Otherwise, it's just a case of getting in numbers, preferably of Premier League-attuned players.

MANCHESTER UNITED: The big money was spent last summer - this year is all about getting one experienced striker. It could be Dimitar Berbatov, it could be Roque Santa Cruz, it could be Roman Pavlyuchenko. If none of those arrive, expect Wayne Rooney to be encouraged to play a more central role.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Gareth Southgate claims he would be happy to start the season with his current squad, but he would certainly be happier if he could bring in more central midfielders - having lost Fabio Rochemback, Lee Cattermole, George Boateng and Gaizka Mendieta this summer. Didier Digard has arrived but they certainly look short of at least one more player, with James Harper among those linked.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Once again it's all about defenders at Newcastle, with Fabricio Coloccini the principal target as they desperately need an experienced leader in central defence. They also need cover at right-back after the release of Stephen Carr and links with Luka Modric and Eidur Gudjohnsen suggest that they are also keen on a playmaker, having had to play Michael Owen in an unfamiliar withdrawn role last season. But all is quiet so far as the mental wages of the Shepherd era are a thing of the past.

PORTSMOUTH: 'Arry Redknapp is playing the 'bare bones' card already, despite having a bigger squad than last season after the arrivals of Peter Crouch, Ben Sahar and Glen Little, with only Sulley Muntari out of the door. He says he needs three players and those are likely to be at centre-half (Younes Kaboul looks favourite), left-back and right midfield. But fringe players like Noe Pamarot, Sean Davis and David Nugent will have to be moved on first.

STOKE CITY: They need quality and fast. Dave Kitson is a decent signing but promoted teams survive in the Premier League when they have got pace (as individuals and as a collective) - the Potters are hardly blessed in that department. They're hardly blessed in any department apart from height, and unless they make a lot of decent signings (very difficult for a promoted team) they are looking eerily like Watford - difficult to beat but ultimately short on quality.

SUNDERLAND: Roy Keane has made five signings (three of them proven Premier League players) and Steed Malbranque is on his way. Having learned a lesson from buying Championship players and seeing them come up short, Keane is shopping from the top flight and he's unlikely to have finished yet - expect another central midfielder, a winger and a striker to make the move to the Stadium of Light.

TOTTENHAM: The signings of Giovani Dos Santos and Luka Modric (and the imminent arrival of David Bentley and interest in Andrei Arshavin) suggest a change of formation to a 4-2-3-1 and Spurs need more players to fill the '2' part of that equation as well as centre-half cover for the oft-broken duo of Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King and probably another striker, whether Dimitar Berbatov goes or not. It's been a busy summer already but there is certainly more to come.

WEST BROM: There's still a lot of work to be done this summer for the Baggies. Centre-halves are obviously the priority - with Madjid Bougherra and Abdoulaye Meite the current favourites - but Tony Mowbray is also thought to be interested in at least one central midfielder and two strikers, having lost Kevin Phillips and Zoltan Gera this summer. Just like Stoke and Hull, the Baggies are discovering that finding goalscorers is a nigh-impossible task for Premier League newcomers.

WEST HAM: Whether there's actually any money to spend at West Ham is questionable - with an unproven Icelandic defender and a Swiss utility man the only signings thus far - and they may have to go for the 'returning players like Craig Bellamy, Julian Faubert and Scott Parker are like new signings' tack. They could certainly do with a striker after the exit of Bobby Zamora and cover in both full-back positions. But will Alan Curbishley get the money?

WIGAN: Steve Bruce says he's finished spending - which is nice for him - having bought a fair few midfielders and a new striker in Amr Zaki to play alongside Emile Heskey. As long as Paul Scharner stays, the chequebook is closed.

Sarah Winterburn

Football365.com: Response to Mini Competition

2008-08-04T20:07:00.000+08:00

'England's elite clubs are determined to exploit their international popularity by staging mini-competitions in places like Asia, Australia, Africa and North America, during a 12-day winter break,' it says in Monday's Daily Telegraph.

If you were doing an 11-plus comprehension exam, you might be asked to spot the flaw in that extract and you'd expect to get a tick for pointing out that the final word - the word 'break' - makes no sense at all at the end of that sentence.

So the Premier League's latest absolutely flawless plan is to use a winter break designed to give the players a rest in the middle of a long season to fly said players half-way around the world to play games in Sydney or Singapore - giving them the usual two games to play in a 12-day period but adding in two flights with a combined total of up to 50 hours' travelling. Brilliant, isn't it?

There was quite rightly an outcry over the 39th game idea - where a competitive 39th round of fixtures would be played around the world - but we cynical types realised that this was just an opening gambit, a ridiculous idea that would make subsequent ideas look that little more sane. And if this latest plan falls on rocky ground, a slightly less ridiculous idea will soon be along to take its place, until some way of crowbarring money from 'EPL' fans across the world is agreed.

Garth Crooks - for some obscure reason the public face of the ManYoo-Pompey game in Nigeria last week - is citing the success of that game as an argument for taking the Premier League worldwide, but the fact that only 28,000 people turned up in a 60,000-seater stadium to see the champions take on the FA Cup winners highlighted one of the many problems with the plan.

In order to make it financially viable, tickets for the game were priced at Stamford Bridge style prices of £40-100 - that's like charging English fans roughly £1300 for a glorified friendly. So ignore the bollocks about speading the word of the EPL, these games are about making money.

And that's making money at the expense of the host nations' own leagues, at the expense of the quality of the Premier League, at the expense of the England players who will have played extra games and flown extra miles ahead of international tournaments and at the expense of Championship clubs who see even more money going into top-flight coffers to further increase that gap.

Premier League clubs already play lucrative games in far-flung places but that is their own business. They choose to sit their players on planes and parade them in the Far East or Africa for huge wads of cash. It's a very different matter when you're talking about sending 20 clubs around the world on official Premier League business in the middle of a season that most experts already consider too long and too physical.

The flaws in the plan are many (including the prospective ticket sales in a country that gets lumbered with fifth-placed Everton and a trio of Middlesbrough, Fulham and Stoke City) but the argument in favour - as far as the Premier League concerns - is written in numbers, not words. Some people find that all too compelling.

Sarah Winterburn

Football365.com: Spurs for Fourth?

2008-08-04T20:06:00.001+08:00

I'm a Huddersfield Town fan who spends the majority of the season watching Championship football (for work), but if you offered me a free season ticket, I would ask for a seat in the stands at White Hart Lane.

Top four? Unlikely. The 7/1 odds on that happening are probably - if anything - a little short. You can't overhaul half a team and expect to get instant results. I remember predicting ahead of Roman Abramovich's first season at Chelsea that the title would not come that campaign but the following one. In the same manner, Spurs will come a great deal closer in Juande Ramos' second full season.

Most realistic Spurs fans would tell you that they don't expect to crash the Champions League places this season, but what they can expect is to be entertained. Like a 21st Century (and better) version of Ossie's five-man attack, Juande Ramos is putting together a team that could feature Giovanni Dos Santos, Luka Modric, Andrei Arshavin and David Bentley - probably behind a single out-and-out striker.

That's four new, young-ish attack-minded players (and possibly five if Roman Pavlyuchenko joins the revolution) and that is a concept that must appeal to neutrals who have got bored with the Premier League and the thou-shalt-not-pass tactics of even the supposed chasing pack.

Even the first-choice full-backs - Alan Hutton and Gareth Bale - are in the foraging almost-winger mode rather than the converted centre-back style of Joleon Lescott, Hermann Hreidarsson or Wilfred Bouma. It is a line-up designed to score goals. Of course that means that goals will inevitably be conceded in numbers too - especially if Ramos failed to sign back-up for fragile pairing Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King. But that's half the fun.

They've even signed a comedy keeper who spent much of their last friendly swinging off his own crossbar to entertain the crowds. He might end up infuriating half the Spurs faithful but for those of us who just want a little fun in our football, it's a boon.

There's a fair chance that this will all backfire and that Ramos will go the way of Martin Jol after seven too many 4-4 draws, but there's an equally good chance that Spurs at least scare the Big Four and walk off with a trophy to boot.

They may not have the discipline to get near Everton, Pompey or Villa or they could develop the momentum to roll over everything in their path.

Will they actually play any defensive midfielders? Will Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Jenas be restricted to the bench? Will Darren Bent have a resurgence with the formation he revelled in at Charlton? Who knows? And the fact that nobody does know is the reason why they're a draw for anyone without Big Four allegiances.

If you're a neutral, would you take a ticket for Goodison Park or even Anfield over White Hart Lane?

Sarah Winterburn

Football365.com: Wenger's Moral Crusade

2008-08-04T20:00:00.001+08:00

Arsene Wenger seems to be on something of a moral crusade at the moment, and his issue of choice is the ubiquitous 'tap-up'.

A couple of weeks ago Wenger said: "If you don't show respect to other clubs I think that football is moving in the wrong way.

"You cannot come out like [president Ramon] Calderon has done at Real Madrid with Manchester United and tell them you cannot stop a player from leaving.

"You can destabilise any player in the world - that is irresponsible."

And he followed that up this Saturday with as clear an accusation as you're likely to get that there has been some perceived skullduggery afoot with regards to Barcelona's chase for Emmanuel Adebayor.

"There is a game going on in Europe where the big clubs tap up our players.

"They let us do the work and develop the players and then they think they can just come in and offer them big wages, but after they cannot come up with the transfer fee. It should be the other way round."

To an extent, you can see his point. The likes of Adebayor, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Nicolas Anelka were moulded into world-class players by Wenger, only for their heads to be turned by the riches of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus.

Of course, you could equally argue that this is how Wenger has carved out a good part of his reputation. Despite giving off the the image of a footballing professor, only concerned with the purest aspects of the game, Wenger is possibly the finest businessman in the game. The £22million profit on Anelka proves that.

However, that's not really the point. Putting aside the idea that Wenger or Arsenal have never, ever spoken to a player before contacting their club, the point is that Wenger seems to be getting very hot under the collar about his own products being nicked from under his nose with the prospect of bigger and better things, when this is a tactic he in fact consistently uses to build his own stable of youngsters.

To pick two recent examples, Cesc Fabregas and Matthieu Flamini were plucked from Barcelona and Marseille respectively. Both clubs received compensation from tribunals, but both are still sore at having two talents taken from them. The differences between Arsenal's conduct at that of Barcelona and Milan are more or less semantical.

Wenger may argue that technically and legally Fabregas and Flamini were not under tight contracts and he has therefore done nothing wrong, but what he is complaining about this summer is a moral issue.

So what is the moral difference between the sort of 'tapping-up' Wenger is complaining about, and the tactics he uses to tempt young players to north London?

The difference is negliable, and Wenger should think carefully before making any further comments in the future.

And you can expect more of this. Should Cristiano Ronaldo move to Real Madrid this summer, next year Ramon Calderon will probably alternate between constantly 'not talking about' Fabregas and Kaka. We can anticipate more complaints from Wenger in 2009.

Nick Miller

Premier League Transfers to date

2008-07-13T00:26:00.002+08:00

ARSENAL
In: Carlos Vela (recalled from loan spell, work permit approved), Aaron Ramsey (£5m from Cardiff City), Samir Nasri (undisclosed).

Out: Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan, free), Jens Lehmann (Stuttgart, free), Kerrea Gilbert (season-loan loan to Leicester City).

Rumoured Targets: Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Michael Johnson (Manchester City), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers), Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Raul Albiol (Valencia), Mahamadou Dabo and Blaise Matuidi (both St Etienne), Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburg), Cristian Zapata (Udinese), Shay Given (Newcastle), Yoan Gouffran (Caen), Artur Boruc (Celtic), Torsten Frings (Werder Bremen), Bafetimbo Gomis (St Etienne), Daniel Parejo (Real Madrid), Arda Turan (Galatasaray), Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle), Diogo Luis Santo (Portuguesa), David Silva (Valencia), Amaury Bischoff (Werder Bremen), Ruben de la Red (Real Madrid), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Ajax), Radamel Falcao (River Plate), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa).

ASTON VILLA
In: Curtis Davies (£8m from West Brom), Steve Sidwell (£4.5million from Chelsea), Brad Guzan (undisclosed from Chivas USA).

Out: Luke Moore (£3.5m to West Brom), Thomas Sorensen (released), Olof Mellberg (free to Juventus), Patrick Berger (free to Sparta Prague).

Rumoured Targets: Habib Habibou (Charleroi), Scott Carson (Liverpool), Paul Robinson (Tottenham), David Bentley (Blackburn), Justin Hoyte (Arsenal), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Shaun-Wright Phillips (Chelsea), Stephen Carr (free agent), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Joe Mattock and Richard Stearman (both Leicester City), Giourkas Seitaridis (Atletico Madrid), Joe Hart (Manchester City), James Milner (Newcastle), Michael Dawson (Totenham), Brad Friedel (Blackburn), Nelson (Benfica), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham), Pascal Chimbonda (Tottenham), Wayne Hennessey(Wolves), Shaun Scannell (Crystal Palace), Joao Pereira (Sporting Braga), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Darren Bent (Tottenham), Carlos Cuellar (Rangers), Rob Green (West Ham), Miguel (Valencia), Anton Ferdinand (West Ham), Andy Johnson (Everton), Frazier Campbell (Manchester United), Steed Malbranque (Tottenham), Lee Naylor (Celtic), Ruben de la Red (Real Madrid), Steve Finnan (Liverpool), Ben Foster (ManYoo), Miguel (Valencia).

BLACKBURN ROVERS
In: Paul Ince (from MK Dons).

Out: Mark Hughes (mutual consent, Manchester City), Peter Enckelman (released), Stephane Henchoz (released), Bruno Berner (released).

Rumoured Targets: Robbie Fowler (Cardiff), Hossam Ghaly (Spurs), Michael Tonge (Sheffield United), Ryan Giggs (ManYoo), Damien Duff (Newcastle), Jermaine Pennant (Liverpool), Albert Riera, Marc Torrejon and Ferran Corominas (all Espanyol), Anthony Annan (IK Start), Michael Kightley (Wolves), Seyi George Olofinjana (Wolves), Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea), Fredrik Stoor (Rosenborg BK), Bradley Orr (Bristol City), Steve Davis (Fulham), James McFadden (Birmingham), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham), Segundo Castillo (Red Star Belgrade).

BOLTON WANDERERS
In: Fabrice Muamba (£5m from Birmingham), Johan Elmander (£11m from Toulouse)

Out: Daniel Braaten (Toulouse), Ivan Campo, Stelios, Andranik (all released).

Rumoured Targets: Simon Vukcevic (Sporting Lisbon), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham), Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Anthony Annan (IK Start), Emile Mpenza (Manchester City), Nathan Tyson (Nottingham Forest), Michael Dawson (Totenham), Michael Tonge (Sheffield United), Louis Saha (ManYoo), James Harper (Reading), Riki (Deportivo La Coruña), Milan Baros (Lyon), Joey Barton (Newcastle), Antonio Hidalgo (Malaga).

CHELSEA
In: Jose Bosingwa (£16.2m from FC Porto), Deco (£7m from Barcelona), Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Out: Avram Grant (sacked), Ben Sahar (six-month loan to Portsmouth), Jimmy Smith (six-month loan to Sheffield Wednesday), Hernan Crespo (released), Ryan Bertrand (six-month loan to Norwich), Steve Sidwell, £5million to Aston Villa).

Rumoured Targets: David Villa (Valencia), Dimi Berbatov (Tottenham), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Diego (Werder Bremen), Micah Richards (Manchester City), David Bentley (Blackburn), Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn), Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Sergio Aguero (Athletico Madrid), Kaka (AC Milan), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan), Robinho (Real Madrid), Ricardo Quaresma (Porto), Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow), Bastien Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal).

EVERTON
In:

Out: Lee Carsley (free to Birmingham), Darren Dennehy (free to Cardiff), Thomas Gravesen, Stefan Wessels (all released).

Rumoured Targets: Dudu (CSKA Moscow), Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Joaquin (Valencia), Edu (Valencia), Stephen Carr (free agent), Michael Johnson (Manchester City), Michael Bradley (Heerenveen), Joe Lewis (Peterborough), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City), Joao Moutinho (Sporting Lisbon), Kevin Thomson (Rangers), Riki (Deportivo La Coruña), Darren Bent (Tottenham), Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), Orlando Engelaar (FC Twente), Joe Mattock (Leicester City), Marek Suchy (Slavia Prague), Pablo Aimar (Real Zaragoza), Sebastien Bassong (FC Metz), David Bentley (Blackburn), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Darren Fletcher (ManYoo), Diego Milito (Real Zaragoza), Vladimir Stojkovic (Sporting Lisbon), Mehmet Topal (Galatasaray).

FULHAM
In: Mark Schwarzer (free from Middlesbrough), David Stockdale (undiclosed fee from Darlington), Zoltan Gera (free from West Brom), Andranik (free from Bolton).

Out:

Rumoured Targets: Bernard Mendy (PSG), Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa), Paul Scharner (Wigan), Daniel Cousin (Rangers), Zheng Zi (Charlton), Pascal Chimbonda (Tottenham), James Harper (Reading), Luke Young (Middlesbrough), Dave Kitson (Reading), Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin), Vaclav Sverkos (Banik Ostrava), Andy Johnson (Everton), Fredrik Stoor (Rosenberg), Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil (West Ham).

HULL CITY
In: Craig Fagan (£750,000 from Derby), Geovanni (free from Manchester City), Bernard Mendy (free from PSG).

Out:Jay-Jay Okocha, David Livermore (free to Brighton).

Rumoured Targets: Frazier Campbell (Manchester United), Ivan Campo (free agent), Ryan Taylor (Wigan), David Nugent (Portsmouth), Antti Niemi (Fulham), Magnus Troest (FC Midtjylland), Nicky Hunt (Bolton), Jason Koumas (Wigan), Marcus Bent (Charlton), Peter Halmosi (Plymouth), Anthony Gardner (Tottenham), Colin Kazim-Richards (Fenerbahce), Kris Boyd (Rangers), Abdoulaye Meite (Bolton), Georgios Samaras (Manchester City), George Boateng (Middlesbrough), Roy Makaay (Feyenoord), Martin Rowlands (QPR), Seyi Olofinjana (Wolves), Emile Mpenza (free agent), Scott Carson (Liverpool), Sean Davis (Fulham), Ricardo Rocha (Tottenham).

LIVERPOOL
In: Philipp Degen (free from Borussia Dortmund), Andrea Dossena (undisc. from Udinese), Diego Cavalieri (undisc. from Palmeiras).

Out: Harry Kewell (free to Galatasaray), John-Arne Riise (£4m to Roma), Antony La Tallec (free to Le Mans), Paul Anderson (loan to Nottingham Forest), Peter Crouch (£11m to Portsmouth), Danny Guthrie (£2.5m to Newcastle).

Rumoured Targets: Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Michael Johnson (Manchester City), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), David Bentley (Blackburn), Albert Riera (Espanyol), David Villa (Valencia), Ulrich Ramé (Bordeaux), Liam Fontaine (Bristol City), Mancini (Roma), James Milner (Newcastle), Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth), Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), David Silva (Valencia), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Antti Niemi (Fulham), Borja Valero (Mallorca).

MANCHESTER CITY
In:Mark Hughes, Jo (£19m from CSKA Moscow).

Out: Sven Goran Eriksson (sacked), Andreas Isaksson (PSV Eindhoven), Sun Jihai (Sheffield United, free), Geovanni (free to Hull City), Paul Dickov and Emile Mpenza (released).

Rumoured Targets: Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Edu (Valencia), Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna), David Bentley (Blackburn), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn), Christopher Samba (Blackburn), Anthony Annan (IK Start), Lukas Podolski (Bayern Munich), Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol), Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool), Andy Johnson (Everton), Diego Milito (Real Zaragoza), Colin Kazim-Kazim (Fenerbahce), Brad Friedel (Blackburn), Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea).

MANCHESTER UNITED
In: Fabio and Rafael da Silva (Fluminese).

Out: Gerard Pique (Barcelona).

Rumoured Targets: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Ajax), Dimi Berbatov (Tottenham), Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Luis Fabiano and Dani Alves (both Sevilla), Antonio Valencia and Wilson Palacios (both Wigan), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn), Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Spartak Moscow), Falcao (River Plate).

MIDDLESBROUGH
In: Marvin Emnes (£3.2m from Sparta Rotterdam), Didier Digard (£4million from PSG).

Out: Mark Schwarzer (free to Fulham), Fabio Rochemback, Gaizka Mendieta and Dong Gook Lee (released), Jason Kennedy (free to Darlington).

Rumoured Targets: Simon Vukcevic (Sporting Lisbon), James Beattie (Sheffield United), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), Alan Smith (Newcastle), James Milner (Newcastle), Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Stephen Quinn (Sheffield United), Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), Anthony Annan (IK Start), Sean Davis (Portsmouth), Nicky Maynard (Crewe), Michael Kightly (Wolves), Michael Bradley (Heerenveen), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham), Marvin Elliot (Bristol City), James Harper (Reading), Andy Johnson (Everton), Leroy Lita (Reading), Scott Carson (Liverpool).

NEWCASTLE UNITED
In:Jonas Gutierrez (Real Mallorca), Danny Guthrie (£2.5m from Liverpool).

Out: Peter Ramage (Released, QPR), Stephen Carr (released), David Rozehnal (£2.9m to Lazio), Joey Barton (jailed).

Rumoured Targets: Achille Emana (Toulouse), Dean Ashton (West Ham), Shaun-Wright Phillips (Chelsea), Amara Diane (Paris St Germain), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Carlos Cuellar (Rangers), Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo), Bafetimbi Gomis (St Etienne), Pablo Aimar (Real Zaragoza), Michael Dawson (Totenham), Arda Turan (Galatasaray), Roland Juhász (Anderlecht), Nikola Zigic (Valencia), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona), Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Bafetimbi Gomis (St Etienne), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham), Allan McGregor (Rangers), Oliver Kapo (Birmingham), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Orlando Engelaar (FC Twente), Jonny Evans (ManYoo), Gokhan Inler (Udinese), Leroy Lita (Reading), Per Ciljan Skjelbred (Rosenberg), Anton Ferdinand (West Ham).

PORTSMOUTH
In: Glen Little (Reading, free transfer), Ben Sahar (six-month loan from Chelsea), Peter Crouch (£11m from Liverpool).

Out:

Rumoured Targets: Damien Duff (Newcastle), Harry Kewell (Liverpool), James McFadden (Birmingham), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Nadir Belhadj (Lens), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Emile Heskey (Wigan), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Marcelo Mattos (Panathinaikos), Patrick Vieira (Inter Milan), Lee Naylor (Celtic), Charles Itandje (Liverpool), Djibril Cisse (Marseille), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona), Nolberto Solano (free agent), Younes Kaboul (Tottenham), Mauro Zarate (Al Sadd), Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Morgan Schneiderlin (Strasbourg), Leroy Lita (Reading), Steven Fletcher Hibs), Pablo Aimar (Real Zaragoza).

STOKE CITY
In:

Out: Dominic Matteo, Russell Hoult, Marlon Broomes and Adam Garrett (all released).

Rumoured Targets: David Nugent (Portsmouth), Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa), Ibrahima Sonko (Reading), Martin Fulop (Sunderland), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), Abdeslam Ouaddou (Valenciennes), Patrik Berger and Stelios (both free agents), Lee McCulloch (Rangers), Anthony Gardner (Tottenham), Magnus Troest (FC Midtjylland), Jon Walters (Ipswich), Maik Taylor (Birmingham), Rudolph Austin (Portmore United), Bouchaib El-Moubarki (Grenoble), Thomas Gravesen (Celtic), Peter Lovenkrands (Schalke 04), Rob Hulse (Sheffield United), Scott Carson (Liverpool), David Nugent (Portsmouth), Dave Kitson (Reading).

SUNDERLAND
In:

Out: Greg Halford (season-long loan to Sheffield United), Andy Cole (free to Nott'm Forest), Ian Harte, Stanislav Varga and Stephen Wright (all released).

Rumoured Targets: Stephen Ireland (Manchester City), Michael Tonge (Sheffield United), James McFadden (Birmingham), Jonny Evans (ManYoo), Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa), Damien Duff (Newcastle), Paul Scharner (Wigan), Stephen Quinn (Sheffield United), Darren Bent (Tottenham), Carlton Cole (West Ham), Peter Luccin (Real Zaragoza), Andy Johnson (Everton), James Beattie (Sheffield United), Leroy Lita (Reading), George Boateng (Middlesbrough), George McCartney (West Ham).

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
In: Luka Modric (£16m from Croatia Zagreb, subject to work permit), Giovani Dos Santos (initial £4.7m from Barcelona), John Bostock (initial £700,000 from Crystal Palace).

Out: Radek Cerny (Released, QPR), Tommy Forecast (undisclosed to Southampton).

Rumoured Targets: Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Anton Ferdinand (West Ham), Diego Milito (Real Zaragoza), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Lassana Diarra (Portsmouth), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona), Carlos Kameni (Espanyol), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Heurelho Gomes (PSV), Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth), Jean Makoun (Lille), Carlos Cuellar (Rangers), Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Diego Capel (Sevilla), Dean Ashton (West Ham), Hugo Lloris (Nice), Tarik Elyounoussi (Fredrikstad), Damien Duff (Newcastle), David Bentley (Blackburn), Oscar Cardozo (Benfica), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna), Alan McGregor (Rangers), Sergio Garcia (Real Zaragoza), Emiliano Viviano (Brescia), Artur Boruc (Celtic), Valon Behrami (Lazio), Ben Foster (ManYoo), Lukas Podolski (Bayern Munich), Rob Green (West Ham), Mario Santana (Fiorentina), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid), Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool), Adriano (Sevilla), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Spartak Moscow), Ruben de la Red (Real Madrid).

WEST BROM
In: Luke Moore (£3m from Aston Villa), Do-heon Kim (£550,000 from Seongnam Ilhwa Shunma), Roman Bednar (£2.5m from Hearts), Gianni Zuiverloon (£2.3m from Heerenveen), Graham Dorrans (£100,000 from Livingston).

Out: Zoltan Gera (free to Fulham), Martin Albrechtsen (free to Derby), Curtis Davies (£8m to Aston Villa), Kevin Phillips (free to Birmingham).

Rumoured Targets: Ibrahima Sonko (Reading), Abdeslam Ouaddou (Valenciennes), Alex Song (Arsenal), Scott Carson (Liverpool), Jesper Christiansen (Copenhagen), Adel Taarabt (Tottenham), Kevin Thomson (Rangers), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), Milan Baros (Lyon), Abdoulaye Meite (Bolton), Marcus Bent (Charlton), Marek Cech (Porto).

WEST HAM
In:Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson (free from HK Kopavogur).

Out: Nolberto Solano (released).

Rumoured Targets: Andrew Johnson (Everton), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), Louis Saha (ManYoo), Davide Lanzafame (Juventus), El-Hadji Diouf (Bolton), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Stephen Carr (free agent), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona), Edison Cavani (Palermo), James Harper (Reading), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo), Raúl Bobadilla (Grasshoppers Zurich), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Josip Tadic (Dinamo Zagreb), Paul Robinson (Spurs), Mikael Silvestre (ManYoo), Valon Behrami (Lazio).

WIGAN
In: Daniel De Ridder (free from Birmingham).

Out: Josip Skoko and Salomon Olembe (both released), Julius Aghahowa (Kayserispor)

Rumoured Targets: Hassan Yebda (Le Mans), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (AEK Athens), Olivier Kapo (Birmingham), Charles N'Zogbia (Newcastle), Amr Zaki (Zamalek), Maynor Figueroa (Olimpia), Hendry Thomas (Olimpia), Carlo Costly (GKS Beùchatów), Djibril Cisse (Marseille), John Mensah (Rennes), Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen), Andrew Johnson (Everton), Salvador Cabanas (Club América), Fredrik Stoor (Rosenborg BK)., Dickson Etuhu (Sunderland), Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough).

Destination Doha 2011 - Singapore are screwed but my dream has come true!!!!

2008-07-04T03:39:00.002+08:00

Destination Doha 2011: Singapore drawn to meet Jordan, Thailand and Iran

DOHA, 3 July 2008: Singapore have been drawn to meet Jordan, Thailand and three-time winners Iran in Group E of the Final Qualification Round for the AFC Asian Cup 2011™ in Doha.

The draw for the 20 teams took place this afternoon in the Qatari capital which sees them placed in five groups of four.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the finals in 2011 joining hosts Qatar as well as the top three finishers in last year’s AFC Asian Cup Finals – Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic. Two other slots will be reserved for the champions of the 2008 and 2010 AFC Challenge Cups.

AFC will be announcing the fixtures of the final qualification round shortly.

AFC Asian Cup 2011™ draw results:

Group A
A1 – Japan
A2 – Bahrain
A3 - Hong Kong
A4 – Yemen

Group B
B1 - Australia
B2 - Indonesia
B3 - Oman
B4 - Kuwait

Group C
C1 - Uzbekistan
C2 - UAE
C3 - Malaysia
C4 - India

Group D
D1 – Vietnam
D2 – China
D3 – Syria
D4 – Lebanon

Group E
E1 - Iran
E2 - Thailand
E3 - Jordan
E4 - SINGAPORE

New Soccer Advertisement??

2008-07-04T00:52:00.000+08:00

Man City's new striker - Jo

2008-07-03T23:28:00.002+08:00

Full name: João Alves de Assis Silva
Date of birth: March 20, 1987 (age 21)
Place of birth: São Paulo, Brazil
Height: 1.89 m
Playing position: Striker

Club information

Youth clubs
2000–2003 Corinthians

Senior clubs
Years Club App (Gls)*
2003–2005 Corinthians 81 (13)
2005–2008 CSKA Moscow 53 (30)
2008– Manchester City

National team
2007– Brazil 1 0(0)

Goal.com : Summer Guide to the Premiership Clubs (Blackburn & Bolton)

2008-07-03T22:35:00.003+08:00

Blackburn Rovers
The main talking point at Ewood Park this summer is the appointment of Paul Ince as manager. The former midfielder and one-time England captain has excelled in management at both Macclesfield and MK Dons, and now gets the chance he craved - to test himself at the highest level in England.

His first task - which he has set as his top priority - is to persuade his two best players, David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz, to throw their weight behind him and Rovers as he attempts to lead them beyond the point that his old Manchester United team-mate, Mark Hughes, took them to. Stephen Warnock has already committed himself to the club following Ince's appointment.

Welshman Hughes will be a tough act to follow, but Ince looks up to the task. He's been concentrating on getting his back-room staff in place thus far, but will soon be turning his attention to the Rovers squad - familiarising himself with its strengths and weaknesses and deciding where it needs to be bolstered. He's been linked with Carlo Cudicini and even jailed Joey Barton, but at this stage it's just press talk.

Bolton Wanderers
A year ago, in the wake of Sam Allardyce's ill-fated departure from The Reebok to Newcastle, Bolton chairman Phil Gartside was waxing lyrical about how Sammy Lee would eclipse Big Sam's achievements at the club. Maybe Little Sam would have done, eventually; but he got off to such a woeful start that no-one, Gartside included, was prepared to wait and see. Out he went and in came Gary Megson, who had not yet got the seat warm at Leicester. The Foxes ended the season relegated to League One, but Bolton defied gravity to escape the drop with a point to spare.

Now Megson can shift the emphasis from damage limitation to development, and he has shown he means business already this summer by bringing in midfielder Frabrice Muamba from Birmingham for £5million, then breaking the club's transfer record with the £10million signing of Sweden international Johan Elmander. The striker, who has apparently been promised a regular start in the first team, is seen as the successor to Nicolas Anelka, who was sold to Chelsea last January.

The Trotters sorely missed Anelka's goals in the second half of the campaign, so Elmander's mission is clear. The club have a hit-list of other transfer targets including Simon Vukcevic and Milan Baros, and seem willing to spend big. Megson and the board will want to ensure Bolton improve on last year's showing - which shouldn't be too difficult.

From Football365.com
Budget: Unlikely to exceed even £15m.

What's Being Said: "I have promised the players as soon as we definitely know what's happening to us, we'll look at what's going to happen in the future" - Gary Megson.

There will be comings and goings at the Reebok this summer. Unfortunately for the club's supporters, the goings are likely to be more noticeable. Ivan Campo has already gone, El-Hadji Diouf has made his intention to depart public and the out-of-contract Jussi Jaaskelainen and Ricardo Gardner may follow. In summary, any newcomers will be replacements rather than additions.

Gary Megson has spent more of his managerial career outside of the Premier League than in it, so, given the tendency of managers to buy from the market they know best, it's logical to assume that his recruits will be bought from below. Nor would it be a surprise if he settles on a half-way house of picking from the carcass of the Championship-bound Birmingham and Reading. Sebastian Larsson, in particular, is a player who proved he is capable of performing in the top tier and would be a useful resource at the Reebok.

The unfortunate reality of Bolton's situation is that they are one of the least attractive sides in the Premier League and arguably the least enticing destination. Unlike Wigan, for whom even Steve Bruce compares favourably alongside Megson, they will not even be able to tempt prospective signings with the carrot of bumper wages.

Staying with that gloomy prognosis, it is noticeable that, mindful of the budgets available elsewhere, the bookies make Bolton the favourites to be relegated from the Premier League next season along with the latest batch of Championship trespassers. It's a grim way to start what is likely to be an equally grim summer at the Reebok.

Newcastle new signing - Jonas 'Spiderman' Gutierrez

2008-07-02T21:32:00.002+08:00

Another interesting character to grace the fields of England.

El Nino Fernando Torres

2008-07-02T21:25:00.001+08:00

He did against Germany at 24 and in this video he did it agst Milan at the age of 12.

Goal.com : Summer Guide to the Premiership Clubs (Arsenal & Aston Villa)

2008-07-02T13:33:00.006+08:00

Arsenal
The Gunners' summer has so far been dominated by the Adebayor saga, with the Togolese striker's recent comments ambiguous at best, duplicitous at worst. Arsenal fans are losing patience with and respect for a player who has so far had one good season and seems to assume it has given him inordinate bargaining power. If he's going to go, it's better that he goes quickly, though manager Arsene Wenger - criticised for allowing Mathieu Flamini to leave for Milan - seems calmly determined that last season's top scorer will still be at the Emirates for the new campaign. Meanwhile Alexander Hleb's future at the club also remains up in the air.

On the positive side, highly-prized full-back Gael Clichy has signed a long-term contract extension, and the brightest jewel in the Gunners' crown, Cesc Fabregas, has not only tasted well-deserved glory with Spain this summer but also made it abundantly clear that he's likely to be at Arsenal for at least as long as Wenger. The exciting Welsh teenager, Aaron Ramsey, was snapped up from under the noses of Manchester United, while France winger Samir Nasri is on the verge of completing a move to North London and is seen as a replacement for Hleb should the Belarussian leave. Amaury Bischoff also claims to be about to sign for the club after rejecting Werder Bremen's offer of a contract extension.

Robin van Persie showed at Euro 2008 that he is close to full fitness and match sharpness at last, while Eduardo is making remarkably rapid progress from his double leg fracture. Also up front, young Mexican starlet Carlos Vela will be in the squad for the first time after attaining eligibility while gaining useful experience in La Liga. Big things are expected of Theo Walcott next season, and youngsters like Armand Traore, Henri Lansbury, Fran Merida, Kieran Gibbs, Nacer Baracite, Mark Randall and Jack Wilshere could make an impact.

However, the big question-mark is over the holding midfield role, now that Flamini has left. Is Gilberto Silva up for the task still? Will Denilson or Alex Song be able to step up to the plate? Or - as most Arsenal fans would like - will Wenger sign a top class player in that position? Certainly it would be surprising - and distinctly worrying for their supporters - if the Gunners were not in the market as buyers for two or three more players over the next six weeks.

Aston Villa
Villa's close season has been overshadowed by the issue of captain Gareth Barry's future. Will he still be there for the start of the new season? At the moment it is looking unlikely - he has made it clear he wants to join his pal Steven Gerrard at Liverpool so he can include Champions League involvement among his life experiences. Barry has crossed a line this week by lashing out at Villa - specifically manager Martin O'Neill, accusing his boss of indifference to the midfielder's "predicament." With endearing arrogance, Barry is feeling neglected because O'Neill had the temerity to concentrate on his TV commitments to the BBC during Euro 2008.

For their part Villa have contradicted Barry by claiming they have gone out of their way to persuade the player to stay with them, though O'Neill won't stand in his way. Barry has been there 10 years and may be getting itchy feet anyway. It's looking more likely now that he'll be a Red when the new season starts, but whether he stays or goes, Villa need to bring in quality players to boost the numbers in what is currently one of the Premier League's smallest squads.

O'Neill has had chance to observe the Euro 2008 talent at close quarters, and Villa owner Randy Lerner is said to be willing to put his hands in his pockets for team strengthening, so expect to see O'Neill in the market as a buyer soon. With last season's loanee Scott Carson back at Liverpool, he needs a goalkeeper, and Tottenham's Paul Robinson is being strongly linked. That's a deal that could suit all three parties.

Villa are also in pole position to bring in Steve Sidwell, should the midfielder conclude that his opportunities will remain strictly limited at Chelsea. Olof Mellberg's departure for Juventus creates a gap that needs to be plugged, but the good news for Villa is that England internationals Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor are committed to the club.

Lookalike? Torsten Frings and Haldir

2008-07-02T13:26:00.003+08:00

Joey Barton's Assault video

2008-07-02T13:14:00.000+08:00

Chelsea's new signing - Deco

2008-07-02T13:10:00.001+08:00

Premier League's Confirmed Transfers

2008-07-02T13:01:00.001+08:00

30/06/2008 Deco Barcelona to Chelsea
27/06/2008 Daniel Braaten Bolton to Toulouse FC
27/06/2008 J. Elmander Toulouse FC to Bolton
26/06/2008 Gomes PSV to Tottenham
25/06/2008 C. Bocanegra Fulham to Stade Rennais FC
20/06/2008 G. Little Reading to Portsmouth
18/06/2008 J. Riise Liverpool to Roma
13/06/2008 Aaron Ramsey Cardiff City to Arsenal
12/06/2008 A. Teymourian Bolton to Fulham
10/06/2008 Zoltán Gera West Bromwich to Fulham
09/06/2008 D. Rozenhal Newcastle to Lazio
06/06/2008 Giovani Barcelona to Tottenham
05/06/2008 David Stockdale Darlington to Fulham
03/06/2008 L. Carsley Everton to Birmingham
03/06/2008 Jens Lehmann Arsenal to VfB Stuttgart
01/06/2008 B. Emre Newcastle to Fenerbahce
29/05/2008 P. Berger Aston Villa to Sparta Praha
27/05/2008 Gerard Piqué Man Utd. to Barcelona
22/05/2008 M. Schwarzer Middlesbrough to Fulham
20/05/2008 Philipp Degen Borussia to Liverpool
17/05/2008 S. Giannakopoulos Bolton released
17/05/2008 I. Campo Bolton released
11/05/2008 Bosingwa to Porto Chelsea
04/05/2008 M. Flamini Arsenal to Milan
26/04/2008 Luka Modric Dinamo Zagreb to Tottenham

Best Penalty Miss

2008-07-02T12:59:00.001+08:00

Preview: Portugal vs Turkey

2008-06-06T15:07:00.002+08:00

One side on the rise while the other in a slow decline. Since the World Cup campaign in 2002, Turkey have not risen to such heights again. A slow decline has been oberserved. On the half of the pitch, we have the Brazil of Europe. I am going to say this will be a Portugal win based on the fact that they have much more match winners in their ranks. Most of that comes from midfield of course. The portugese side has notoriously lower quality strikers. No legendary Turkish striker Hakan Sukur for this tournament.

Players i want to see

Portugal
Cristiano 'i want to play for real madrid' Ronaldo
We have run out of superlatives for this free scoring (8 during qualifiers) midfielder. He will be captaining his nation in this tourney and once again the eyes of the world will be on him to produce the stuff on the big stage which argably he has not done so as much as is needed.

Ricardo Quaresma and Joao Moutinho
Two playes still based in the Portugese League, they are the creative players of the Portugal team. Both are still young. 24 and 21 respectively.

Jose Bosingwa
The new right back for Chelsea. 25 year old. Wanna see why he is so expensive.

Turkey
hmmm...as i go thru the squad list, i struggle any names that raise my curiosity. Familiar names are Emre, Nihat Kahveci, Sanli Tuncay and Hamit Altintop. But there is no upcoming youngsters that i am looking forward to see.

Preview : Switzerland vs Czech Republic

2008-06-06T14:35:00.003+08:00

The co-host, Switzerland will kickoff the Euro 2008 with an opening group A match agaisnt Cezech Rep. My take on this game it is a battle of two generation. The Swiss are mainly made up of young players while the Czech Rep is an ageing squad. So how will it swing? Experience or exuberance. Worth to note that the Swiss did not concede a goal during the 2006 World Cup. The young legs, backed by their partisan home crowd might just edge this one. But not to forget, it is a big tournament, so big tourney experience and temperament is crucial. Honestly, this can swing either way. I am going to sit on the fence and say a draw.

Players i want to see
Switzerland
Phillip Degen
New liverpool signing. An athletic, attacking full back who was signed from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer. Has a twin brother. 25 years old.

Tranquilla Barnetta
23 year old midfielder from Bayer Leverkeusen. Nicknamed Quillo. Has Italian passport too.

Valon Behrami
Golden Hair boy who plays for Lazio. Also 23 year old. Albanian origin. Comfortable at both full back and winger. Wears jersey number 85 for Lazio.

Czech Republic
Peter Cech
One of the best goalkeepers in world football. We all know about him. He has 3 records. Numerous clean sheet records and best goalkeeper awards.

Thomas Sivok
One of the few youngsters in the team. Remains to see if he will get a start. A 24 year old midfielder who plies his trade in the Turkish league with Besiktas.

Milan Baros
And be amazed at how this head down running striker somehow gets the goals for his country. 3 goals during qualifiers.

Jan Koller
Top scorer during qualifiers with 6 goals. The 35 year old has scored over 50 goals for his country in 86 matches. Will he add to that tally.

Euro 2008

2008-06-05T13:43:00.002+08:00

Group A
Czech Republic
Portugal
Switzerland
Turkey

Group B
Austria
Croatia
Germany
Poland

Group C
France
Italy
Netherlands
Romania

Group D
Greece
Russia
Spain
Sweden

Anelka's alternative penalty

2008-05-28T04:55:00.000+08:00

Some videos of under 21 Toulon Championships

2008-05-28T04:48:00.002+08:00

Chile vs France

Chile vs Netherlands

Future Stars: Sebastian Giovinco No. 10

2008-05-28T04:37:00.002+08:00

Arsenal's returning Carlos Vela

2008-05-28T04:32:00.001+08:00

Tottenham's Luka Modric

2008-05-28T04:24:00.001+08:00

Arsenal's strongly linked samir nasri....

2008-05-28T04:12:00.003+08:00

Enjoy...lots of videos on him

Liverpool's latest signing - Phillip Degen

2008-05-28T04:05:00.001+08:00

the only video i can find....just shows the unknown factor of this guy

Beckham 70 yards (empty net) goal

2008-05-28T04:03:00.000+08:00

Premier League Season Report Card 1 - from whoateallthepies.tv

2008-05-13T01:09:00.002+08:00

Arsenal (3rd)
Played some quite beautiful football at times but faded badly in the last quarter of the season, after leading the pack - Arsene Wenger should have added to his squad in January. Still, to finish just two points behind Chelsea and four behind Man Utd - both of whom have much stronger squads - is a very respectable effort.

Finest hour: Coming back from 2-0 down to beat Bolton 3-2 at the Reebok, depite being down to ten man after half an hour. Beating Everton 4-1 at Goodison also deserves a mention.
Low point: Losing Eduardo to the worst injury of the season.
Grade: B+

Aston Villa (6th)
Most of the credit for Villa's excellent year must go to Martin O'Neill, who has worked small wonders in his time at the club. O'Neill has generated confidence where before there was none. And his team now plays the brand of fast, powerful football that succeeds in the Prem - they were also involved in two of the most entertaining league games of the season, a pair of remarkable 4-4 draws, at Spurs and Chelsea.

Finest hour: Thrashing rivals Birmingham 5-1 has to rank as their sweetest result. Beating Blackburn 4-0 at Ewood follows close behind.
Low point: Losing 4-1 at home to Man Utd, against whom they always seem to underperform.
Grade: B+

Birmingham City (19th)
Yet another case of a nervous club shooting itself in the foot by changing manager mid-season. You only have to look at the solid work Steve Bruce has done since arriving at Wigan to see that Birmingham's fate was sealed when Bruce left the club. Alex McLeish is a decent enough manager, but he was not needed in the first place.

Finest hour: Doing the double over Spurs, and snatching two draws against Arsenal.
Low point: Losing 5-1 at Aston Villa in the Midlands derby.
Grade: D

Blackburn Rovers (7th)
Another solid, if unspectacular year for Sparky's Rovers. Not much else to say, is there? They rarely excite the neutral, but are hard to beat, strong and well-organised - if you like that sort of thing.

Finest hour: Consecutive away wins at Spurs and Portsmouth.
Low point: Shipping five goals in a 5-3 loss at Wigan.
Grade: B

Bolton Wanderers (16th)
All involved with the club must be very relieved to have avoided the drop, especially after the horrible start they had under Little Sammy Lee. Fair play to Gary Megson - the Ginger Mourinho chose to cash-in on Nicolas Anelka, Bolton's best player by a mile, but still did just enough to survive. That said, it's a shame that so much of the good work done by Big Sam Allardyce has been largely undone in the space of one season.

Finest hour: Picking up 11 points in their last five games.
Low point: Throwing away a two-goal lead at home against 10-man Arsenal.
Grade: C

Chelsea (2nd)
They were supposed to struggle without the special guidance of Jose Mourinho but instead did better than anyone might have expected. Full marks for keeping Man Utd honest until the final day of the season. The club also deserves credit for going about its business in a quiet, professional manner - most of the time, anyway (stand up Ashley Cole). And so let's hear it for Avram Grant, who taught us all a lesson in how to be both good-natured and humble.

Finest hour: The second half of the season, when they gained a Mourinho-like momentum that almost made them champions.
Low point: Drawing at home to Wigan, or failing to beat Spurs at White Hart Lane, despite holding the lead four times.
Grade: A-

Derby County (20th)
An astounding -69 goal difference says it all - yes, Derby will go down in the history books as the by far worst team in Prem history. Even Paul Jewell's mid-season arrival did little to change the club's status as whipping boys.

Finest hour: They took four points off Newcastle. Shame on you, NUFC!
Low point: The whole season.
Grade: F

Everton (5th)
Three cheers for David Moyes, arguably the best boss in the league. In finishing as the 'best of the rest', Moyes's team deserves huge credit. They were never going to seriously challenge Liverpool for fourth, but 65 points is a fine haul for a club with hugely inferior resources, at least compared with the big four.

Finest hour: The 7-1 demolition of Sunderland at Goodison.
Low point: Losing both league games, somewhat unluckily, to rivals Liverpool.
Grade: A-

Fulham (17th)
Christ on a bike, how did the Cottagers get out of that? Lawrie Sanchez, a truly medicore manager, did his best to put Fulham in an untenable position by Xmas, before Mo Al-Fayed realised, just in time, that he had made a terrible mistake in appointing the ex-Norther Ireland boss. Mad props to mild-mannered Woy Hodgson for engineering one of the most unlikely escape acts in the history of the top flight. God knows where they found the form to notch three away wins in a row.

Finest hour: The consecutive three away wins that effectively kept them up.
Low point: Lawrie Sanchez.
Grade: E (for Sanchez), B+ (for Hodgson)

Liverpool (4th)
An ultimately disappointing league campaign, once again. Rafa Benitez's European successes concealed the fact that Liverpool are too inconsistent in the Prem. With the squad they have, it should not be too much to ask to finish above Arsenal.

Finest hour: The acquisition of Fernando Torres. And doing the double over Everton.
Low point: Failing to beat Arsenal, Chelsea or Man Utd in the league. They must do better against their title-chasing rivals next season.
Grade: B-

Good players who got relegated...

2008-05-13T01:01:00.002+08:00

Here are some players that don't really deserve to be playing in the Championship next season.

Reading
Marcus Hahnemann
James Harper
Nicky Shorey
Kevin Doyle

Birmingham
Fabrice Muamba
Sebastian Larsson
Liam Ridgewell
James Mcfadden
Mikael Forsell
Gary Mcsheffrey

Derby
Giles Barnes

Champions of England

2008-05-12T01:24:00.003+08:00

Congratulations to Manchester United for retaining the Premier League Title!

The View Down Below

2008-05-11T13:45:00.004+08:00

As the final round of matches is hours away now, we look at the bottom of the table first where 3 clubs are fighting it out to stay in the lucrative premier league.

Here is how they stand at the moment

17. Fulham -23 33pts
18. Reading -29 33pts
19. Birmingham -19 32 pts

Only 1 team will make it out alive...and here are the different permutations

For Fulham to survive...
1) Win thier away game against Portsmouth
2) Draw their game and hope Birmingham and Reading dont win
3) Lose thier game and hope Reading and Birmingham lost

For Reading to survive...
1) Win thier away game against Derby and hope Fulham dont win
2) Draw their game and hope Fulham lost and Birmingham lost
3) Lost their game and hope Fulham get smacked more than 7 goals(depending how much Reading lost) and Birmingham lost.

For Birmingham to survive...
1) Win thier home game against Blackburn and hope Fulham and Reading dont win
2) Draw thier game and hope Fulham and Reading lost

GOAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-06T22:27:00.000+08:00

a wonder goal from a non league match

The Famous Volley

2008-05-05T23:49:00.001+08:00

The famous Marco Van Basten volley in the game between Holland and USSR in Euro 1988.

Champions of Spain

2008-05-05T23:36:00.002+08:00

Real Madrid has defended thier Spanish crown to clinch thier 31st league title. They defeated Osasuna 2-1 go gain an assailable 10 points with 3 games to go in the Primera Division.

Other champions around Europe
PSV - Holland
Bayern Munich - Germany
FC Porto - Portugal
Olympiakos - Greece
Standard Liege - Belgium
Rapid Vienna -Austria

Other European Leagues
Inter are leading Roma by 3 pts with 2 games to go
Lyon are leading Bordeaux by 2 pts with 2 games to go
Celtic leading Rangers by 7 pts but Rangers have 3 games in hand
Galatasaray leads Fenerbahce by 3 pts with a game to go

Top Transfer Rumors From the British Press 05-05-08

2008-05-05T23:28:00.003+08:00

Real Madrid are planning to bid 25 million for Berbatov.

Arsenal to bid 12 million for Niko Krancjar and 15 million for Obafemi Martins. They are also keeping tabs on Marseille's Samir Nasri and Lille's Jean Makoun.

Juventus is extremely interested in Xabi Alonso

Wonder Goal by Leeds' United Andy Gray

2008-05-02T20:20:00.000+08:00

Liverpool vs Chelsea...As the clock ticks

2008-05-01T03:25:00.005+08:00

I start this entry at the 40th min. i warn you. This gonna be a long one. Why am i not concentrating on the match? Liverpool is disappoiting me and many of their fans. One even texted me and said " they are playing without soul". That sums it up i guess.

Very, very poor first half. Worst 1st half display for some time. 11 players per team but honestly i did not see any of team out there. Poor performance all round. There is an apparent lack of ideas. I even find myself channel surfing. Kuyt oh kuyt, i will never like thee. I dont think he contributes anything to the team. He doesnt add anything to the team. Hard work yeah, but its blind hard work.

Pitch was cut up due to the rain. This makes it even worse for Liverpool because they have 'heavy' players. Heavy meaning slow, not light on their feet, not athletic. For example, Kuyt and Alonso. They will struggle on the pitch. 'Light' players are the likes of Kalou, Benayoun.(Ref blew half time whistle!)

Chelsea deserved the goal. They were 1st to the ball, much more movement by the front 3. And if the defence arent careful, Liverpool might get a good ol drubbing.
2, 3 nil maybe? Anyways, a big Bart Simpson's HAHA to rafael benitez, courtesy of horse-face Drogba. Boy did he take that goal well. (wondered if reina could cover his angles better)

Now what can Liverpool do in the 2nd half. 2 subs left. Babel? Crouch? Pennant? Lucas? Most probably Babel and Crouch for me. Will It be changed to 4-4-2? Crouch must get in if by 60 mins, nothing changes in terms of performance. Torres is too isolated up front. Babel hasnt been playing games so i expect him to come on. For Kuyt maybe? sacrifice alonso (hes gonna get tired) and put gerrard in centre midfield? Many possible ways to change it. But, expect status quo for at least the 1st 15 mins of the half. HAHA. just got another text, a fellow Kopite has given up. He's going to sleep.

The stats came up. 6 shots to 1 for Chelsea. Now, who needs to win this game again?? I am not giving up....YET...but its a damn big ask. Okay i am off to the loo now...

Ref blows for the start of 2nd half. Ah great, weather has worsened. Liverpool will tire first i bet.

Two good chances but again the lack of finishing ability of Kuyt. Andy Gray mentioned left foot? I was thinking of the same thing. Will we get another chance?

Freekick to Chelsea. 50th min. Went long.

55th min. Slightly better i guess. Slightly. Lots of balls played over large distances. Yes, just a fancy phrase for the long ball. That could be a way to eliminate the poor pitch from the equation. Urgh, Kuyt again. (Poor control this time). It strikes me that Liverpool are looking better beacause Chelsea is sitting back. Lots of direct balls to Drogba to be expected now.

javier had a good run and crosses. No one in there! As i type, Andy gray comments the same thing. Aint it clear enough? Crouch!!! And maybe not even Babel. He might struggle on this pitch. Pennant for his crosses. Crouch for the extra man in the box.
Argh, again Kuyt with the nonsense control.

63/64th min. Torres!!!!!!!!. Good work by Yossi. Good finish by torres. Terry was dragged to the ball. That was the only reason torres got the space he got. Strangely enough, i didnt even celebrate. Deep inside, i know its not over. mainly, because they havent done much to show they can win. Still strongly feel Kuyt shld take his leave.

70th min. Chelsea to make the first change as gerrard shoots over. Wish gerrard takes more pot shots on goal. Kalou off, Malouda on. This guy is great on his day. Could be the ace up Avram's sleeve. But then again, there is another, Nicolas Anelka. Crap!

"Sprung away from Dirk Kuyt" How many freaking times has that happened!

1-1 on 75th min. Dont think crouchie is getting on now. Rafa will want to keep it this way and trust his players to keep it tight. Chelsea growing in dominance. Monster run by Essien. Wonder how it would be like if he was employed in central midfield.

Pennant strips off and WHAT THE FREAKING HELL!! YOSSI GOES OFF???? HOW ABOUT KUYT???!!!! breathe....breathe...let us see...

83rd min. At this point, if liverpool were to lose this one, Please let it be on penalties instead of goal in regulation/extra time. But then again, i could get to sleep. hmmmmm...hahaha

Extra time looming as Rosetti blows. Who has more legs now? Liverpool had thier rotation during the weekend. Chelsea had Man Utd. Will it or does it really come to play. I figured these players must be running on adrenaline at this stage. As i sit here knowing theres at least 30 more agonising minutes, i repeat, at least lose on penalties. 1-1 is a good result after 90 mins. If only, the first leg ended diffrently.

Anelka on for the absent Joe Cole. Crap Crap Crap for liverpool. Anelka's pace! Didnt play much against Man Utd. Former Liverpool player. It all points to tmr morning's headlines doesnt it. Here we go. I am standing all the way for this one.

Goal disallowed. Penalty. Lampard scores. Thats game over for me. Torres off????!!!!!

F rafa...hes done in my books as i have said in the past in this blog. why the f do u take off ur top scorer and put inept kuyt to lead the line. He hardly is a threat or a presence. WTF. Rafa will be skewed unless in the next 19 mins, liverpool can score.

OOOhhh...now that was a goal. 3-1 to Chelsea. Devils agst Blues for sure now in Moscow. Torres off...i am still shaking my head.

Now was that a penalty when hyppia fell by Drogba. As andy gray says it, whistle up then down. Two penalties in extra time. Unlikely.

I text 5 of my fellow liverpool fans asking, "still wanna back rafa?" 4 out of 5 said no. Okay i am gonna end this entry on the 115th min. Good try but werent good enough on the day and rafa, dont bother. Chelsea vs Man Utd. Moscow.

Countdown

2008-04-30T23:31:00.000+08:00

5 days to go....

Singapore-League Opening Rounds

2008-02-21T23:46:00.001+08:00

18 Feb 2008 Super Reds 2 : 1 Woodlands Wellington MATCH REPORT
19 Feb 2008 Young Lions 0 : 0 Sengkang Punggol MATCH REPORT
20 Feb 2008 Gombak United 0 : 2 Tampines Rovers MATCH REPORT
21 Feb 2008 Geylang United 2 : 1 Balestier Khalsa
21 Feb 2008 Home United 2 : 1 Dalian Shide Siwu

The DICE

2008-02-21T15:39:00.003+08:00

After the midweek Champions League fixtures, the DICE predicted 6 out of 8 games correctly! As it stands, the DICE has a 75% score. Next up the Premier League weekend fixtures and the League Cup Final.

DICE Predictions

2008-02-21T01:48:00.002+08:00

It was spot on yesterday. Lets see how it predicts today.

Arsenal 0 - 2 AC Milan
Away Win

Celtic 0 - 2 Barcelona
Away Win

Fenerbahce 5 - 4 Sevilla
Home Win

Lyon 1 - 4 Man Utd
Away Win

New Feature: The Dice

2008-02-19T22:44:00.002+08:00

From tonight onwards, the DICE will try to predict the outcome of games.

Schalke 2-1 Porto Home win predicted

Roma 4-2 Real Madrid Home win predicted

Olympiakos 4-4 Chelsea Draw

Liverpool 3-1 Inter Milan Home Win

Reactions - Man Utd vs Arsenal

2008-02-17T13:58:00.002+08:00

mciesla Posted on 16/02/2008
as an arsenal fan,i need to say my team put in an embarassin performance,no excuses. Gallas was a major disapointment,so slow tonite. Traore was a disaster,just like lehmann. Im hopin to see the strongest lineups of both teams next time.that should be a cracker.and lets have sum respect to each other,dont get carried away after readin sum *** interviews b4 the game in the sun.

fabregas Posted on 16/02/2008
We were beaten on the night, no question about it, you guys definetly out played us, but in all fairness we had at least half our first team missing, and what did Eboue actually get sent off for, because from what I saw, it looked like barely a yellow card....not that we would have won if he is on since I don't rate him, but still we were horrible. We will rebound after this, we will beat AC Milan as we should have a decent team back, Traore and Hoyte simply aren't that good against the likes of Rooney and Nani. Even though our fullbacks were indeed useless, we had Toure and Gallas as the centre-backs, we shouldn't have conceded 4 goals with those guys there...Lehmann is way past it, i found a few of the goals he let it to be really soft, then again we weren't marking well. People can go on about oh arsenal lost 4-0, they must be *** but the fact remains we had Van persie, Clichy, Sagna, Almunia, Adebayor, Rosicky and others who are first team players, but the team we used simply got out beaten so im not gonna blame our poor game simply on having half our team not there...

NO NANI Posted on 16/02/2008
Enjoy your FA CUp faggots. Chelsea will beat you anyway like last year you manure dirty scum. Enjoy the premier league title......oh wait were 5 points ahead cause you get rolled over twice by manchester *** city. You lost to Bolton as well you *** *** team. First time in manure history you have won, since cronaldo has come, without him. Fat *** ferguson can jump up and down cause he beat arsenal reserves. no more title come june manure faggots

gunner_fan Posted on 16/02/2008
Nicely done Utd. And to the Utd fans saying how we were missing Ade and Flamini and Clichy and how it's no excuse....you're absolutely right. It isn't an excuse. Our team is made of glass. You have more depth and better replacement players than we do, and it was the difference today. Props to SAF. I don't support his extravagant first team spending, but the backup players he's bought have been well worth it.

tania Posted on 16/02/2008
was wat Arsenal or Derby, looked like Derby? Gre8 performance by ya 11. Up D Reds

Reactions from the Forum Boards-Liverpool vs Barnsley

2008-02-17T13:46:00.003+08:00

Phil Posted on 16/02/2008
Please don't tell me you lot are still willing to protest to keep Benitez in a job based on a 3 year old Champions League Medal. He has to go, I could blow better tactics out of my ars.e!!

tania Posted on 16/02/2008
rafa's probably on his way out now but unfair to blame him for today, our strikers need dozens of chances to get one on target atlast, some players dont need rotation, they need elimination from our squad!!!!!!!!!!

GERARD HOULIER Posted on 16/02/2008
YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE. YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE (SCOUSERS CRY, SCOUSERS CRY). serves you *** for sacking me. i was the best thing to happen to you moaning scouse *** and you sacked me. you ***

CUNT Posted on 16/02/2008
Benitez has to go!

stig Posted on 16/02/2008
The fellow is overated. The champleague victory few years back was a fluke. If you remember pool finished fifth that year and needed a special exsemption to enter the tournament the next year. He should have been gone a long time ago.

worthly Posted on 16/02/2008
we were useless failing to barnsley. we simply suckks. we got to search for young talents like manU's nani .. if not .. we would just carry on like we are now. we are considering a flop. a shity flop.

KC Posted on 16/02/2008
I'm a pool fan and I have to admit that we have been crap these few years. Really crap. We haven't been able to beat the big 3 teams like chelsea, arsenal and man u in the league often and we get humbled by those never heard before pub teams or lower division ones. We excel in the UCL though. Benetiz clearly doesn't have the credentials to win us the league as we tend to get half decent players like kuyt and voronin and benetiz likes to keep faith in players who are long gone their prime like kewell. Thanks for the your enormous contribution but I do believe that its time for benetiz to leave. We can't be just focusing on the UCL every year and forget about the league and other silverware. Every time me and my mates go to watch a big match featuring pool, we cheer them on but there is always this lingering feeling in the back of our heads that we can draw as we tend to lose often.

worthly Posted on 16/02/2008
i'm a liverpool fan too. and also. i think that we had been a useless and flop. really. unable to beat teams like chelsea or arsenal or manU really feel so fuckk up. arsenal can easily go top of table. manU can easily get into the knock out stage of CL. chelsea can easily go into the finals of FA cup. but we? lol. shitt team. i donno what's more to say about my fav club. and still .. as a supporter .. i will keep my faith and support towards the reds. all the best in the remaining years. hope the DIC era will eventually change something at least if not everything.

Orange Posted on 16/02/2008
Benitez I think its time for you to pack your bags. We had enuff!

anong Posted on 16/02/2008
we lost to "B" team...sacked "B"enitez because his tactics is very very poor...i relly don't understand why he give a chance to Kuyt and Kewell to play again..their form is worst..no word to describe..

redknapp Posted on 16/02/2008
Msg is clear: stop tinkering Rafa! It's time u realise what mess u get Pool into. Treat all cups with respect, play your 1st team players every week and rest them only if need to. Every week fans are seeing different players & we get frustrated when the players don't gel. We have a great set of players - no doubt, but they need to understand each other. Tinker at your own peril, we won't see you last your contract! Another piece of advice: Rid Kuyt ASAP! He's not even worth a place in Pool's Reserves!!!

red Posted on 16/02/2008
im glad liv lost the tie, this should send a clear msg to the owners tht Rafa must leave! Now!

One thing for sure from the forum boards. They want him out.

Whats in the British air on Saturday?

2008-02-17T12:22:00.002+08:00

Qoute...Our squad can win things. And I know that it will be difficult for Manchester United to win.....Unquote....

Words from Arsenal's captain William Gallas before the game agst Man United.

I must admit this should be one off result and i dont expect Arsenal to perform like that again. But they are making a name for exiting cup competitions is style. 5-1 agst Tottenham and 4-0 agst Man Utd. The men i have the most sympathy for is Arsene Wenger and Flamini. Why Wenger? His players let him down. Why Flamini? When he came on, he was the only player who looked like giving his 100%. The rest of the squad was disappointing. Even the most ardent Arsenal fans should be agreeing with me on that. It seems that they were distracted by the Milan game(which i think they could win) and that Old Trafford pitch was atrocious.

Man Utd could have shown the world how to beat Arsenal. Get goals early and constantly press high up in the field. An onrushing Rooney is definitely not a pretty sight. The back four seemed to be uncomfortable with the pressing game. Another thing that we all could learn is the importance of the back four to ensure stability. Arsenal changed their fullbacks while Man Utd first choice back four looked assured thru the 90mins. I thought Wes Brown was playing particularly impressive. Another impressive aspect was Man Utd's fitness and workrate. Of course Arsenal down to ten man could heva helped that.

Arsenal set up 4-5-1 with Bendtner up front with Eduardo on the left. Yes i understand the cautious approach at Old Trafford but i couldnt help but wonder what would have happened if 4-4-2 was used with Eduardo playing his normal role. Gilberto and Bendtner looks out of sorts and i expect the Brazillian to be offloaded soon.
Some positives we can draw is that some star players were rested for the game agst Milan(Adebayor, Fabregas, Sagna, Clichy, Almunia, Flamini). With the thin squad at Arsenal now, maybe an exit could be a blessing in disguise. Now they can focus on two fronts. Less toll on the players. I believe this is the best chance for them to win the league and i think they can do it. The Champions League can go to anyone honestly due to its knockout structure.

Something i didnt like with the Man Utd performance was the arrogance of players like Evra and Nani. Yes u guys have won the game, but dont have to rub it in. There should be a level of professionalism in the game. I was telling myself that the arsenal players should just have whacked him down when Nani went on his juggling act(a good one too i must add). Imagine if Ronaldo was on the pitch? He might have broken the world record for most stepovers. I have lesser respect for the new breed of Fergie Babes(Nani, Anderson, Evra) for their arrogance. My utmost respect goes to the likes of Vidic, Giggs, Scholes. Aand yah i dont fancy Rio either. He's not as good as HE thinks he is.

Arsenal to win the league. Chelsea to win the League Cup. Man United to win the FA Cup. Champions League goes to God knows who. Everybody's happy. Oh yeah, Everton to get 4th place and Rafa gets the sack!

Not Surprised

2008-02-17T01:25:00.002+08:00

I know some of you, if any, especially those who just love to diss liverpool, yes i know who u are, are just laughing out loud after liverpool's exit. Fair game. The reds played poorly and they lost. Before i express views on the matter, i would to take this opportunity to...

CONGRATULATE PAOLO MALDINI ON REACHING HIS 1000TH GAME!!!!!!!

The ageless defender will be playing his 1000th game in his career this weekend. The Rossoneri captain made his debut an incredible 23 years ago on January 20, 1985 against Udinese in Serie A. I was two years old at that time. Amazing. It has been 8427 days since his first professional debut.

PAOLO MALDINI...THE BEST LEFT BACK IN MY BOOK...

Back to the fiasco, Liverpool is in the slumps. Hell yeah and i hate placing the blame but majority people would agree that rafa has been the reason. I need to check what they add to the drinks up there in Anfield because "In Rafa We Trust???". I heard boos at the end of the game and for once i was smiling; and a sinister one it is. "Maybe the fans have finally realised!", i said to myself.

Pako Ayestaran left early in the season and since then, Liverpool has been PLAYING poorly. Yes, they ve lost less than last season in the league but the performances have been sub par. Could it be that Pako was the master of puppet rafa???? Anyways, Man Utd just took a 2-0 lead. It looks like reserve game with both teams resting star players; losing the gloss of the game. Winner of that should be facing Chelsea in the final if draw permits. Good luck to both.

To the game itself. It just proves what i ve been saying all along. Rafa selection tactis are quizzical. My evaluation of Kewell, Kuyt are justified. Since the beginning of this blog' life, i have said, they should be going off. I am sticking my neck out and saying a certain Rafael Benitez wont be here either next season. Who to come in? God knows. But it will be a mighty task to lift this club at the moment.

Taking the best player off the pitch Babel was dumbfounding. Even Rob Palmer commented it was quizzical. Rob Palmer was the commentator for those who are wondering. Gerrard only to come in in the 75th minute? He is not Superman. That was just a sign of desperation from a desperate man. Another sign that he is playing on luck. Torres and Gerrard has saved Rafa's blushes too many a times. Did anyone see Gerrard's body language when he wanted to come on. He wasnt very up for it.

As i ponder into the future, i will not be surprised if Rafa gets the boot and players come out to the media grumbling about the spaniard's reign ala Woodgate wrt Southgate.

Liverpool needs a lot of work. Rafa's reign should end and rebuilding should be done slowly. Back to basics. As a fan, i dont see the title in the near future. Not even in the next five years or even more. The Arsenals and Man Utds are to continue to dominate. Liverpool's hey day has pass them. Its time for Arsenal and Man Utd. A shout out to Sir Alex for his ability to ensure continuity in his team. Arsenal was not a powerhouse back then when ManU and Liverpool were dominant so its about time they take their turn. They have the potential. Sidetrack....Rooney is on fire in the 'reserve' game. A football clinic by ManU....

I ll end this here for now. Again KUDOS TO PAOLO!!!

Jose

2008-02-09T03:37:00.000+08:00

Jose's Show Episode 1 till present

2008-02-09T03:00:00.000+08:00

Jose Mourinho Show

2008-02-09T02:53:00.000+08:00

Singapore 0 Saudi Arabia 2

2008-02-08T00:54:00.000+08:00

Singapore in red.

Questions over the weekend games

2008-02-03T14:32:00.001+08:00

1) Why was Carragher on the right? Is Hyypia better than Carra at central defence?

2) Why was Lucas, a defensive midfielder, on the left hand side?

3) Was it me, or is Gerrard looking unmotivated and lethargic?

4) How does Wenger buy the right players majority of the time? (Eduardo)

5) Will Eduardo drop out when Persie returns?

6) Did anyone see how good was Tottenham?

7) Why did Fulham buy Litmanen?

8) Will it be Arsenal this year?

9) Werent Man Utd lucky to get that draw?

10) Did anyone see Carrick in the game?

11) Will Fulham get out?

12) Will Derby get into double figures? points that is...

13) Did anyone know Reading has lost 6 in a row?

more when it comes into this mind of mine....

Liverpool fans to buy out the club????

2008-01-31T12:16:00.000+08:00

Supporters of Liverpool Football Club are reportedly planning to launch an ambitious plan to buy the club from its current owners.

US businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks, who last week finalised a £350million refinancing package for Liverpool Football Club, which they bought in 2007, are set to face a bid to buy them out - by Liverpool fans.

The BBC reports that the Share Liverpool FC Group will reveal plans for a buy-out of the club by 100,000 Liverpool supporters around the world.

The model being proposed.............

Full article HERE

Pundits having a blast

2008-01-28T21:10:00.000+08:00

Check out how these pundits respond to the live scores coming in....druing the FA Cup weekend...

Soccer Babe of the Week

2008-01-27T21:49:00.000+08:00

Helen Svedin. Wife of Luis Figo. Swedish.

Arsenal?

2008-01-27T21:36:00.000+08:00

I saw this online. Sorry Arsenal fans.

Gerd Muller

2008-01-27T21:29:00.001+08:00

The ultimate goalscoring machine. He was arguably the best in-the-box forward of all time.You will understand why i say in the box when u see the video tribute. Hows this for a return. He play 565 club games and scored 487 goals. For West Germany, he scored 68 goals in 62 games.

Cheva Reyes

2008-01-27T21:22:00.000+08:00

The oldest player maybe???? This happened in the Mexican league when Cheva Reyes, 71 years young, took to the pitch for Chivas Guadalajara. It was arranged as a tribute to him being the club's all time leading goalscorer. The number 57 was worn as had won the league title 57 years ago!!!!

Whats In A Name?

2008-01-27T21:17:00.000+08:00

This list is courtesy of Rob Parker from whoateallthepies.tv

Stuart Taylor
Who wants to be in nets when you could be in the finest wool?

Chris Plummer
The perfect cure for a leaky defence.

Terry Butcher
Opposing strikers would be like a lamb to the slaughter.

Richard Carpenter
A midfielder boss who is hard as nails. Perfect.

Doctor Khumalo
The South African international can double-up as team physio.

Ian Bishop
On the wing (and a prayer).

Lee Cook
Adding some spice to the attack.

DJ Campbell
We don't want to be known as a long ball team, but sometimes it is good to throw it into the mixer.

Alan Shearer
There is nothing sheepish about the former England skipper - except his name.

Latest: Hicks Interview 6 Months ago

2008-01-22T19:29:00.000+08:00

This is an quote from an interview by the Major League Baseball website with Hicks 6 months ago.

"People are worried that I might take money away from the [Texas] Rangers [Hicks' baseball franchise] to go to Liverpool," Hicks said. "But it is just the reverse. Liverpool is going to throw off lots of extra money which, if I choose to, I can use for the Rangers or the [Dallas] Stars [ice hockey team]."

Oh hell yeah...i can see those Kopites flaring up now...

Disillusioned Kopites

2008-01-22T18:56:00.000+08:00

Who should be blamed? The American duo of Gillet and Hicks or Rafa?

I was watching the match between liverpool and villa last nite and at the end of the game they showed the banners that was done by the anfield faithful. "Yanks out, Dubai In", "Dubai SOS" and "1 DIC is better than 2".

It made me wonder is really the fault of the owners, who suspiciously weren't at the game. In addition to that, Liverpool's problems was summed up when u looked at Moores and Parry's 'lost' faces. Back to the finger pointing. Ok, Gillet and HIcks (GH) hasn't really lived up to their campaign promises. Yes they have spend big in the summer but rafa had to offload some of their players to get the finance needed. Sounds like a mid table team transfer policy. Have the reds become one?

Latest rumor is that GH has less than two weeks to find someone to provide them the loans needed to refinance. Don't ask me what it means, i have no clues either. What i know is if they dont get this someone, they wont have the cash for players and even worse to build the new stadium. It has been reported they had been rejected once already in the past few days. Good news to those blokes who done up those banners. For this fact, GH is better off selling the club. The fans don't want to want them. DIC with their bottomless pockets could be that crucial financial backing Liverpool need.

But then again, its what happens on the field that wins u matches and trophies. Not the guy sitting in plush seat in the directors box. And that brings our finger pointing to Rafa. As great as he has done for Liverpool, he has lost his way this season. Personally, i feel he has lost the plot and should go. But it seems that the Liverpudlians are willing to stick with him. Despite having a talented team, at least good enough to comfortably get fourth, they have been very poor this season. Some say they have been beaten less this season but as a pure soccer fan, the performance matters. Tactically he has been off, personnel selection has been suspect and un explainable. The players are never playing at their true standard. The report card would indicate Liverpool's performance as a high C. What if DIC comes in and pumps in money? I believe it would make no difference with respect to Rafa's Football Manager-like selection tactics.

Stevie G has gone on the record saying off field problems are affecting players. Now that's not good news when the captain come out and talk about off field areas. It just displays a lack of unity, communication and understanding between player-manager-owner. It seems they all live in their own worlds. Mind you, rafa is not backing his captain's words.

This coming weeks are interesting for Liverpool fans. Would it be status quo or would there be farewells before the end of the season. I am hoping for DIC and Jose....hahaha...hey anything is possible....

Wanna hear what u guys think...do comment...

African Nations Cup

2008-01-22T18:41:00.000+08:00

Ghana 2
Guinea 1

Namibia 1
Morocco 5

Nigeria 0
Ivory Coast 1

0-1
Uploaded by bobrivers

Mali 1
Benin 0

Mali vs bénin - résumé du match
Uploaded by salakta

The Morning After: Middlesbrough vs Liverpool

2008-01-13T10:14:00.001+08:00

A step closer to the edge. Rafa's reign at Anfield might just be coming to an end and i reckoned with respect to his past achievements, the US owners will sack him only at the end of the season. So hows to come in? Those without a club at the moment are the likes of Klinnsmann (Bayern?), Jol, Mourinho or how about McClaren??!! (hahaha). Despite the animosity between Jose and the Kopites in tthe past season, i don't think anyone will mind if he was to take over the helm at anfield.

4 draws now in the past 4 games and mind you they were easy games agst the likes of boro, wigan and luton. In addition the level of performance has been terrible. And honestly i cant put a finger to it. You cannot deny that they have better players than the opposition in all those games yet they just cant play as a team. In yesterdays game, they looked lethargic in that first half.I remembered Rafa saying rotation will allow our players to be fit in the long run especially in the season's run in..bla bla bla... Gerrard wasn't his forward running self. Movement was also poor. I want to come down to Melwood and see them train because i wonder if Rafa pays any attention to technique training. The level of technique displayed were no better than an amateur team. Passes were short and first touch were going everywhere.

On an individual level, Carra and Finnan were their usual solid self. Mascherano was busy. The rest were not up to their own standard. Torres was working on scraps and his wonder strike showed what he is able to do if only his teammates get their act together and supply him with something. Voronin(surprised why he was taken off only in the 74th min) and Benayoun was rubbish. They tried to play 442 but it didn't work coz they didn't have natural wingers on the flanks. Benayoun tends to move inwards and work behind their strikers. Riise is never a left midfielder in the first place. No pace and no ability to get past players or swing a good ball in.

They looked better in the 2nd half and credit to them. But Boro did try to close shop in the second half. But lets give credit where credit is due. Boro played their socks off yesterday and deserved more than a point. Boateng was magnificent shackling Gerrard. Tuncay and Aliardiere were running circles around Hyppia. Wheater and Huth at the heart of defence didn't allow anyone space and time on the ball. Torres had to pick up the ball deep; away from the centre backs; when he got that goal.

I believe rafa will remain until end season unless he dont get a win in the near future. He has done good service to the club but the impression i got from the way they play is that there is no room for creativity and freedom to express themselves(the players i mean). It was very robotic at times. Players were gestured to stand in certain positions and pass to certain people. At times, i feel when they crossed that white lines, some freedom should be given to the players to show their stuff. (watch arsenal and manyoo; u cant really train their movements). Mind you, except a few, Liverpool do boast a strong squad in depth.

Reina 6
Finnan 7
Hyppia 6
Carra 8
Arbeloa 5
Benayoun 5
Gerrard 7
Macherano 7
Riise 6
Voronin 5
Torres 7
Kuyt 5
Babel 7
Alonso 7

SIngapore 1993 team

2008-01-12T14:06:00.000+08:00

This the squad photo for the Singapore Malaysian League team of 1993.

Top Row(left to right): V. Sundramoorthy, Kadir Yahya, Alistair Edwards, Jang Jung, Nazri Nasir, Abbas Saad, Fandi Ahmad.

Middle Row: Tamil Marren, Lee Man Hon, Rudy Khairon, Bashir Khan, Abdul Malek, (unknown guy), Late Borhan Abu Samah, Syed Faruk, Yahya Madon.

Bottom Row: Lim Tong Hai, Razali Saad(Captain), P.N. Sivaji, Patrick Ang??, (unknown team manager), Robert Lim, (unknown staff), Saswadimata Dasuki, Malek Awab.

Big Sam Gets the Boot - Analysis

2008-01-12T13:45:00.000+08:00

Not enough time on the job
Never given the amount of time required to 'reform' Newcastle United. He wanted 3-5 years to create the right team for the club. Considering their last title was in the 60s i think, the fans and board could have given him more time. Cant really judge a manager's potency within 8 months. In fact at this stage of the month, he was doing better than Roeder.

Too much fan power
Fans has too much of a say in the club. It is as though the the board members are recording the decibel level of jeers in each home game and relate it to manager's performance. Of course, it dont help when the owner sits in the stands, right in the midst of the swears and the jeers.

Wasnt the choice of the present owner
In the first place, Big Sam came was appointed by Freddy Shepherd and not present owner Mike Ashley. I dont think he fancies Big Sam style of football. As Sven Goran mentioned in an interview, "cant sack the players or the board, so the manager gets the sack"

Players out of position
Big Sam kinda put nails on his own coffin(yeah while he was lying down in it) by playing players out of position. Milner constantly on the bench. The most bizarre was the fact that N Zogbia was playing at left back???!!! Smithie was playing in central midfield and he looked like a 'rusa masuk kampung' which is malay for 'deer entering the village' (lost and confused). On personal touch, u wont get much from a lumbering Viduka and playing truant Owen (never fit). Come on, u got two amateur fighters in Smith and Butt in the middle of the park so u dont really can ask for attractive creative attacking football.

Got rid of the deadweight
He did what was needed. He got the right of the deadweights such as Bramble, Moore, Luque, Srnicek and many more. He was beginning to build the foundations but 24 games into it, he is out of the door.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

2008-01-05T14:49:00.000+08:00

This the squad photo for the Singapore Malaysian League team of 1993. Test your memory and Singapore soccer knowledge skills. Try naming all the players...

Singapore Squad Announced

2008-01-05T14:44:00.001+08:00

The provisional squad for the World Cup qualifying match with Saudi Arabia on the 6th of February has been announced.

Goalkeepers: Jasper Chan, Hassan Sunny, Lionel Lewis

Defenders: Baihakki Khaizan, Daniel Bennett, Precious Emuejeraye, Ismail Yunos, Juma'at Jantan, Sevki Sha'ban, Mohamed Noh Rahman

Midfielders: Hariss Harun, John Wilkinson, Isa Halim, Shahril Ishak, Ridhuan Muhamad, Mustafic Fahrudin, Shi Jiayi

Forwards: Agu Casmir, Aleksandar Duric, Fazrul Nawaz, Indra Sahdan Daud, Khairul Amri

Football 365 End of Year 2007 Awards

2008-01-04T16:48:00.000+08:00

Admission Of The Year
Winner: Curtis Davies admitting he played like a "pub player" on his debut for Aston Villa.
Runner-Up: Alan Curbishley admitting he "didn't know exactly what they did there" when Spurs switched to a thoroughly baffling three-at-the-back formation.

Anti-Climax Of The Year
Winner: The FA Cup final. Did anyone not supporting either ManYoo or Chelski manage to stay awake?
Runner-Up: The end-of-season Premiership clash between Manchester United and Chelski...just a few days after United had secured the title. How Sky must have regretted holding that fixture back...

Advice Of The Year
Winner: As published on the morning of October's Merseyside derby in Graham Poll's column for The Daily Mail: 'WATCH OUT FOR Mark Clattenburg at this weekend's Merseyside derby. Clattenburg has already controlled the Manchester and north London derbies successfully and has been proclaimed as England's best referee in The Official Line all season.'

Brown-Nose Of The Year
Winner: Patrice Evra for announcing: "When it comes to Alex Ferguson I just want to thank the Lord. Whatever may happen in the future, I have been trained by Alex Ferguson."
Runner-Up: A joint award to the entire England football team for lining up in turn to hail Fabio Capello as the saviour of English football.

Busiest Man Of The Year
Winner: Sam Allardyce, who, despite responding to a Panorama investigation by announcing, "I'm denying all allegations that have been alleged against me...The matter's in the lawyers' hands and will be resolved by due process - I have instructed my lawyers to take the appropriate action", still hasn't found to deliver the promised writ a full 14 months later.

Comeback Of The Year
Winner: West Ham winning seven of their last nine matches to avoid......

For the full article click HERE

In Memory

2008-01-04T03:58:00.000+08:00

Those that passed away in 2007

Antonio Puerta (Sevilla)(26 November 1984 – 28 August 2007)
Phil O Donnell (Motherwell) (25 March 1972 – 29 December 2007)
Mpho Gift Leremi (Mamelodi Sundowns) (October 13, 1984 – September 3, 2007)
Jairo Nazareno (Chimborazo/Ecuador) age 21
Salou Tadjou (Togo) (24 December 1974 - 2 April 2007)
Patrick Allotey (Feyernoord/Ghana) (December 13, 1978 – June 27, 2007)
Edy Vazquez (Honduran) age 23

Nils Liedholm (Former AC Milan) (October 8, 1922 – November 5, 2007)
Jupp Derwall (West Germany Manager 1978-1984) (10 March 1927 - 26 June 2007)
Georg Buschner (East Germany) (26 December 1925 – 12 February 2007)
Helmut Senekowitsch (Austria 57-68) (October 22, 1933 – September 9, 2007)
Ian Porterfield (Sunderland 67-77) (11 February 1946 – 11 September 2007)
Yemi Tella (Cameroon)
Alan Ball (Everton/Arsenal/England) (12 May 1945 – 25 April 2007)
Florea Dumitrache (Romania 68-74) (May 22, 1948 – April 26, 2007)
Nicolae Dobrin (Romania 66-80) (August 26, 1947 – October 26, 2007)
Andrej Kvasnak (Czechoslovakia 62-70) (May 19, 1936 – April 18, 2007)
Raymond Kaelbel (France 54-60) (January 31, 1932 – April 17, 2007)
Mariano Gonzalvo (Barcelona/Spain 42-55) (March 22, 1922 - April 7, 2007)
Manuel Bento (Benfica/Portugal 72-86) (25 June 1948 - 1 March 2007)
Sandro Salvadore (AC Milan/Juventus/Italy 58-70) (November 29, 1939 – January 4, 2007)

18YB would like to pay tribute to all lovers of the beautiful game who left us in 2007.

Season So Far

2008-01-04T02:08:00.000+08:00

Highest scoring first eleven (minus keepers)

Laursen(5).....Gallas/Lescott/N'Zogbia/Scharner(3)
Gerrard(7).....Fabregas(6).....Cahill(6).....Ronaldo(13)
Adebayor(12).....Anelka/Keane/Santa Cruz/Torres(10)

The Ever Presents(most minutes played)

Hahnemann/Friedel/James/Jasskelainen(1890)
Kelly/Distin/Toure/Bramble/Mellberg(1890)
Hunt(1874).....Barry(1890).....Young(1868).....Downing(1888)
Agbonlahor(1884).....Doyle(1696)

The Givers(Most Assists)
Carson(2)
Shorey(9).....Warnock/Geremi/Glichy/Sagna/Jagielka(3)
Gerrard(7).....Fabregas(11).....Young(10).....Petrov(8)
Berbatov(9).....Kalou(8)

Most Busiest Goalkeeper(Saves)
1.Hahnemann(81)
2.James(68)
3.Niemi(66)
4.Friedel(63)
5.Bywater/Gordon(62)

Dirty Eleven(Most Fouls)
Samba(30).....Scharner(38).....Brown(28).....Clichy(29)
Coker(41).....Brown(wigan)(46).....Dempsey(40).....Barry(39)
Davies(bolton)(54).....Smith(newcastle)(54)

The Giants(Tallest)
Isaksson(1.99m)
Knight(1.98).....Gardner(1.96).....Wheater(1.96).....Distin/Michalik/Hall/Samba(1.93)
Diop(1.93).....O'Shea(1.91).....Hamann(1.89).....Sissoko(1.89)
Crouch(1.98).....Kanu(1.96)

The Dwarves(Shortest)
Ashwon(1.78)
Wallace(1.67).....Baines(1.70).....N'Zogbia(1.70).....A.Cole(1.72)
Lennon(1.65).....Wright-Phillips(1.66).....Malbranque(1.68).....Scholes(1.68)
Tevez(1.68).....Sinclair(Bolton)(1.68)

Rants of a Liverpool Fan

2008-01-04T01:31:00.000+08:00

Its about time rafa leaves us. No, not because he's a bad manager. Rafa has brought this club as far as he can go. When inspected individually, Liverpool has its best team in recent memory.As a team, they are beginning to look lost. Rafa's constant tinkering is not a good strategy in my opinion. It disrupts player's momentum and confidence. When looking at the successful model of Chelsea, Man Utd and even the present Arsenal, one can easily observe the consistency of the first eleven. Any tinkering or resting players only involve one or two players at a time. This is said with respect to rafa's 5-6 personnel change every game. Get the best eleven and rest them when they need rest.

Tactics wise....whats up with his ridiculous 4-3-3 system. Used in games agst reading for example. The likes of Kuyt, Voronin and Coruch being shifted out to the flanks of the front 3 and then expecting them to be right and left midfielders when in defence mode. That just does not make sense. 4-4-2 is liverpool and liverpool is 4-4-2. Nuff said. And another bizarre way he sets up is 4-4-1-1 with gerrard behind the lone striker. He used this agst Wigan in the most recent of match. Why do you use 1 out of 4 fit strikers agst a team everyone expects liverpool to beat comfortably. One can say he is more worried to counter the opposition rather than stamping the team's own superiority on the opposition. I do hope the 4-4-2 returns in the next game.

Personnel...We cant really blame rafa (but i do) for all of their shortcomings this season. The players hasn't really been up to the mark. passing has been atrocious this season. The likes of daglish, keegan and molby would frown on this. Another evident problem seems to be their first touches. Balls has been bouncing off the foot of kuyt, babel, benayoun and most of the team. Are they technically lacking in that sense.Bad passing and control and how do u expect to have a cutting edge in attack without mastering the two earlier skills.

Personal agenda...here i would like to mention some personal opinions. Really feel like rafa should take his leave. Some players should be also be going out of anfield. Some of my personal "favorites" would include kewell, kuyt, benayoun and sissoko. Maybe riise and crouch if we can get good money for them. They need to mascherano deal permanent. Wigan has not gotten a point of the Big Four since they got promoted. They just did two days ago. This just means at this present time, in terms of performance, Liverpool are not part of this Big Four. It has in fact become the Big 3; with the likes of liverpool, everton, man city, portsmouth, villa and blackburn in their own mini league.

Reinforcements....Need cover at central defenders. More world class signings(not benayoun from west ham) in the mold of Torres, in positions such as the wings and striker.

So rafa, pls lose more matches so that i can see ur back heading out of the door.

Jersey Details

2008-01-04T01:06:00.000+08:00

More details about the jersey. The jerseys are manufactured by Nike. It will be in orange with white trims. Here below is an illustration of the jersey.

K-TAG(to be confirmed) News

2008-01-04T00:38:00.000+08:00

The order for the squad jerseys have been placed a few hours ago. We will only be able to collect them on Sunday. Tentatively, there will be soccer this sunday. This session could also be used for the distribution of jerseys. In that light, do hope those who can make it to come down. Time will be confirmed via email.

Rumour Mill

2008-01-03T14:24:00.000+08:00

Avram Grant refused to rule out a move for either Dimitar Berbatov or Nicolas Anelka

The Daily Mirror reckons that Harry Kewell could be on his way to Fulham

Roy Keane plans seems keen to bid for Robbie Savage and Stephen Hunt in the next few days, according to The Daily Star.

The Daily Mirror reckons Keano will try and get Steve Sidwell on loan

Arsenal is eyeing Gillingham's Luke Freeman, who is a mere 15 years of age.

David Bentley is set to have more talks with Blackburn over a bumper new deal as they try to keep him out of the clutches of the big clubs

Sven-Goran Eriksson is lining up a £2million swoop for Palace whizkid Sean Scannell

Dean Ashton could be on his way out of West Ham after being frozen out by boss Alan Curbishley

Blackburn want a massive £4million for transfer-seeking striker Jason Roberts

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is planning to open contract talks with Northern Ireland keeper Maik Taylor

Derby manager Paul Jewell was yesterday putting the finishing touches to a deal to sign striker Emanuel Villa

Especially for the Guys

2007-12-31T13:51:00.000+08:00

To celebrate in the New Year, click here...

Final Polling Results

2007-12-30T01:23:00.000+08:00

Here are the final polling results as of Saturday 2359hrs.

Here is the current poll results. Remember voting ends on Saturday 2359hrs.

K-Tag 56.3%
MHFC 18.8%
Double-U 12.5%
Bedok Bezerkers 6.3%
Los Vaqueros 6.3%

Final team name to be decided on sunday during soccer session.

Update on Squad Numbers

2007-12-29T01:04:00.001+08:00

00. Faisal (Fuso)
1. Fadly
5. Hidayat
7. Ridzwan (Wan)
8. Zohri (Zoh)
10. Iskandar (Iskek)
11. Zul
14. Huzaini (Hooz)
15. Faizal (Foi)
17. Raihan
18. Ferdaus (Pey)
19. Hariadi (Adi)
21. Khairul (Khai)
23. Ghazreza (Ghaz)
25. Reduan (Wan Bob)
33. Roozaimy (Rooz)
1+9. Gaddafi (Gad

Update on Polling Results

2007-12-28T09:56:00.000+08:00

Here is the current poll results. Remember voting ends on Saturday 2359hrs.

K-Tag 56.3%
MHFC 18.8%
Double-U 12.5%
Bedok Bezerkers 6.3%
Los Vaqueros 6.3%

Congratulations

2007-12-27T18:13:00.001+08:00

On behalf of the guys, I would like to congratulate Iskandar aka Iskek on his engagement earlier this month. May your engagement be blessed. Congrats!!!!

The Guys

2007-12-27T17:38:00.000+08:00

From Left to Right
1st row: Horis, Rooz, Huz, Adi, Pey
2nd row: Ghaz, Iskek , Fadly, Zul, Zoh
3rd row: Gad, Foi, Fuso, Raihan, Khai
4th row: Wan

No photos: Hidayat, Reduan Bob

Still open for additions

The Cage - Part 2

2007-12-27T14:16:00.000+08:00

The Cage

2007-12-27T14:08:00.000+08:00

Team Numbers

2007-12-27T13:55:00.000+08:00

00. Faisal (Fuso)
1. Fadly
7. Ridzwan (Wan)
8. Zohri (Zoh)
10. Iskandar (Iskek)
11. Zul
14. Huzaini (Hooz)
15. Faizal (Foi)
17. Raihan
18. Ferdaus (Pey)
19. Hariadi (Adi)
21. Khairul (Khai)
23. Ghazreza (Ghaz)
33. Roozaimy (Rooz)
1+9. Gaddafi (Gad)

Any change of numbers pls forward them via email to the masses. Only not taken numbers are available. Lots of double digits taken strangely.

Heads Up!

2007-12-27T13:43:00.000+08:00

Fadly has arranged for u guys to vote on your preferred team name. If there is no clear majority, the will be a second phase of voting. Vote only once.

Video

2007-12-21T00:43:00.000+08:00